Thursday, December 19, 2013

Organic Pesticide sprays For Grapes

Grape insect problems are controllable without chemical pesticides.


Organically grown grapes do not contain pesticide residues that may be harmful to your health. Organic pesticides for grapes include pesticides derived from natural sources such as biological organisms. There are many biological pesticides approved for use by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program. Mites, mealybugs and leafhoppers are three insect pests that infect grape plants. Both cultural methods of grape care and organic pesticides are used to control these insects.


Mealybugs


The integrated pest management system practiced by organic grape growers relies on knowledge of insect life cycles. Interventions are made in ways that provide the least hazard to people, property and the environment. Mealybugs can effect all parts of a grape plant, exuding a sweet secretion that attracts sooty mold problems. Mealybug predators used as a biological organic pesticide include lacewings, cecidomyiid flies and lady beetles.


Leafhoppers


Leafhoppers feed on grape leaves and reduce their capacity for photosynthesis. Their secretions also attract sooty mold. Beneficial insects that replace toxic pesticides include whirlygig mites and lacewings. Insecticidal soap is also an effective organic pesticide for grapes. High temperatures attract leafhoppers and adequately watered grapevines resist leafhopper damage more successfully. Synthetic chemicals on grapes interfere with their ability to absorb naturally occurring chemicals in the soil that give grapes their characteristic flavors.


Mites


Certain species of spider mites eat grape leaves, causing grape burn and eventual defoliation. Spider mites, traditionally controlled with chemical pesticides, can be eliminated by introducing their natural predator onto grape plants: another spider mite. Predaceous spider mites (phytoseiid species) eat the mites that damage grape leaves. Excessive dust from roads also encourages damaging spider-mite infestations and should be kept to a minimum. The University of California Davis integrated pest management program offers in-depth resources for managing grape-plant pest problems within organic growing guidelines. Please see Resource.









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