Causes and treatment of anthracnose on grapes, how to treat and combat it

Anthracnose is a common grapevine disease. It affects not only the leaves but also young shoots. Left untreated, it often leads to the complete death of the vine and the spread of the disease to healthy vines. Recognizing the symptoms is easy, so it's important to regularly inspect the plant.

Signs of infection with the disease

Anthracnose is manifested by the following symptoms:

• formation of brown spots on leaves;
• the leaf becomes spotty and gradually dies;
• the berries become covered with small dark spots, which contribute to the appearance of rot and spoilage of the crop;
• the bark begins to crack, causing the vine to break and dry out;
• The shoots become brittle, with small dark spots.

In severe infestations, symptoms develop.

Causes of infection

Often, unfavorable conditions contribute to the emergence of the problem.

Mechanical damage

Mechanical damage to the bark is often the cause of the disease. When a crack forms, the disease enters, infecting the tissue and manifesting symptoms on the leaves and young shoots.

Violation of care rules

Improper or no care at all often leads to weakened immunity and the development of disease symptoms. Failure to prune vines and the growth of weeds can trigger the first symptoms of the disease. Lack of drainage can also trigger the development of anthracnose.

Lack of essential micronutrients

A deficiency of essential elements in the soil leads to a weakened immune system, which results in plant diseases and exposure to fungal infections. Insufficient phosphorus and potassium minerals can also cause anthracnose symptoms.

Violation of the watering regime

Overwatering leads to fungus growth. Also, frequent rainfall can carry the fungus with wind and raindrops, leading to infection of healthy bushes.

High acidity

Soil that contains a high level of acidity often promotes the growth of fungal spores, this is due to the fact that this type of soil allows the infection to multiply quickly, resulting in infection.

Pests

Flying pests that move from vine to vine can often be the cause of grapevine disease, as spores can travel on the insects' legs and progress rapidly when they land on a healthy plant.

Treatment and methods of protection

Special medications are used to eliminate the disease.

Trimming

Before treating the bush, it's necessary to prune away any affected shoots. Leaves showing symptoms of the disease should also be removed. After pruning, the affected parts should be burned, as spores can quickly spread to healthy plants.

The cut areas of damaged shoots must be treated with antifungal agents that reduce the risk of further infection of the crop.

"Horus", "Ridomil"

These types of products have antibacterial and antifungal effects on grapes. They can be used for disease prevention, as well as when the first symptoms of a problem appear. They are applied in the spring before bud break. If necessary, they can be applied during the growth and fruit set period. However, treatment should be carried out in the evening to reduce the risk of leaf burn.

"Kartotsid", "Polyram"

These preparations are used when the first symptoms of the disease appear. Affected shoots and leaves are removed, followed by spraying with antifungal agents. For complete eradication, two treatments are required, at least 14 days apart.

Planriz

This fungicide is a biological agent used to combat fungal diseases. It does not affect grape growth and can be applied every 10 days. It can be used as a root treatment and also works well with mineral supplements and growth promoters.

Mikosan

A product that stimulates immune development in grapes. This prevents the plant from becoming susceptible to fungal diseases. It is most often used in spring and fall to prevent disease outbreaks.

Important: At the first signs of the disease, results are achieved by activating fungal strains that destroy anthracnose.

Gaupsin

The product has a positive effect on grapes, increasing growth and promoting the formation of new shoots. It is used in early spring to boost immunity, which helps the plant fight fungal infections naturally. Grapes should be treated twice, with at least 14 days between treatments.

Copper sulfate

Copper sulfate should be applied before bud swelling. A 1% solution should be applied with a spray bottle. To prepare, dissolve 100 grams of the solution in 10 liters of water and spray the bush.

Bordeaux mixture solution

Bordeaux mixture is effective against a wide range of fungal diseases affecting grapes. A 1% solution should be used for spraying. Spraying is carried out in early spring. Repeat treatments are recommended before flower buds form.

Fundazol

It is used against diseases, including fungal ones. It is produced in powder form and must be dissolved in water for further application.

Previkur

A product used to prevent fungal diseases. It contains a growth stimulant and can be used on grapes from the first year of growth.

Ordan

A substance that destroys fungal spores and prevents recurrence. Can be used up to three times per season.

"Arcerid"

Produced in powder form for the preparation of a working solution, it eliminates the symptoms of the disease and is used in the spring as a preventative measure.

Kuproskat

The product penetrates fungal spores and kills them. Three sprays are required to achieve visible results. Damaged areas are removed.

DNOC

The fungicide contains ammonium salt, which has a negative effect on fungi. It has a pungent odor and eliminates the disease after the first application. It dissolves poorly in liquid, so additional solvents are required.

"Skor"

It is used to prevent and treat fungal diseases. After spraying, it quickly penetrates plant cells and boosts the plant's immunity. To achieve visible results, 2-3 treatments are required.

Acrobat MC

The product is toxic, so wear rubber gloves when applying and preparing the solution. To achieve results, three treatments are required, the last one being carried out one month before harvest.

Fitosporin M

It's a safe product that doesn't affect crop development. This biological substance contains strains of beneficial fungi to combat the disease and prevent its recurrence.

Effective folk remedies

If a gardener does not want to use special preparations to treat bushes, they can use proven folk methods.

Rotten hay

Fungus can be controlled using rotted hay. To do this, soak 1 kg of hay in a bucket of water and leave it for 24 hours. Strain the resulting solution and spray it on the bush.

Garlic infusion

Garlic has antifungal properties. To use, crush a head of garlic and add a liter of water. Let the mixture steep for 24 hours, then strain. Mix the infusion with 5 liters of water and spray the grape bushes.

Important: When spraying with garlic solution, it is necessary to carry out 2-3 treatments at intervals of 4-5 days.

Preventive measures

To prevent the appearance of anthracnose on grapes, preventive measures to protect the plant are used.

Humidity control

Fungus thrives in a humid environment. Therefore, to prevent the disease, water the plant no more than twice a week. When planting the seedling, add a layer of crushed stone or broken brick to the hole. This will act as drainage. Regularly loosen the soil if waterlogging occurs.

Fertilizer

Fertilize three times per season. Use organic fertilizers in the spring, mineral supplements in the summer, and compost or peat in the fall. This will help strengthen the immune system and fight fungus naturally.

Potassium permanganate solution

Manganese prevents fungal growth. To use, spray a weak solution onto the bush and soil. This method is used in early spring.

Sulfur powder

Colloidal sulfur is used, which dissolves in water and is applied as a spray. 50 grams of the substance are used per bucket of water.

Weed removal

Weeds can carry fungal spores. To prevent the disease, promptly remove weeds and loosen the soil.

Watering and mulching

A mature bush should be watered every 4-5 days or as needed. Young bushes should be watered every 3 days, depending on weather conditions.

Pinching out stepsons

Removing lower shoots reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Side shoots should be removed regularly, and the growing areas should be treated with a potassium permanganate solution.

Trimming

Grapevine pruning is done in spring and summer. In spring, dry branches should be removed, as they can harbor larvae and disease spores. Anthracnose tolerates temperatures as low as -35°C.

Disinfection of garden tools

Garden tools, such as shovels and pruning shears, should be treated with disinfectants. After gardening, tools often harbor strains and microorganisms that cause grape diseases.

Resistant varieties

To prevent the disease from developing on grapes, it is necessary to select special varieties that are resistant.

Tsolokouri

A technical grape variety with small, dense clusters. The grapes are sweet and the skins are white.

Nimrang

The distinctive features of this cultivar are the large clusters and sweet berries. The bushes tolerate low temperatures and are not susceptible to fungal diseases.

Otlis

The crop is resistant to fungal diseases. With proper pruning, it produces large annual harvests.

Sauvignon

The distinctive feature of this cultivar is its sweet and sour taste. The clusters are large and dense. It is disease-resistant and ripens in the middle of the season.

Riesling

This white grape variety is often used to make wine. It is a late-ripening variety that can be stored without deteriorating its flavor.

Saperavi

This red grape variety is distinguished by its large berries. It's a versatile variety and can be used for winemaking. The berries are sweet and juicy.

Codryanka

An undemanding plant. The berries are dark and sweet. The clusters are large and branched.

Yasya

The berries are distinguished by their elongated size and red skin. They are distinguished by their early ripening period and resistance to anthracnose.

Tangra

A hybrid variety with a mid-season ripening period. The berries are blue, round, and sweet. The clusters are large and loose.

Research

Research was conducted to obtain tangible results in the fight against anthracnose. The following results were found:

• Spraying should be carried out at the stage of 5 leaves appearing;
• before flowering;
• after the formation of inflorescences;
• after harvesting.

Gardeners note that using a single product often doesn't produce the desired results. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is needed to address the problem.

Tips and advice from experienced gardeners

To combat anthracnose on grapes, it is necessary to follow the following recommendations:

• at the first symptoms of the disease on a young bush, it is necessary to wipe the leaves with a solution of potassium permanganate;
• When symptoms appear, it is necessary to cut out all infected vines and burn them;
• Until the disease is completely eliminated, it is necessary to treat the bushes every 10 days.

Following the recommendations keeps the bush healthy.

Result

Anthracnose on grapes is a common problem. Preventative measures are necessary to prevent these symptoms. When the first symptoms appear, special antifungal products are used.