Spray Programs for Muscadine Grapes

Captan

• Captan, commercially available in most any home improvement or garden supply store, is an antifungal and insecticide. It is indicated for use on muscadine vines, and can be applied every seven to 10 days throughout the growing season. Take care not to apply this chemical in direct sun, as it can burn the surfaces of grape leaves and damage the vine.

Myclobutanil

• Myclobutanil is another chemical often used to control fungal infections on muscadine grapes. It is specifically used for black grape rot, and is an effective treatment for the infection. In regions where the climate is especially conducive to this and other fungal infections, Myclobutanil should be applied throughout the growing season whether infection is apparent or not. Black grape rot thrives in high humidity, and is especially prevalent in overgrown vines that do not have sufficient airflow.

Azoxystrobin

• Azoxystrobin is a chemical compound utilized in the prevention and treatment of downy mildew on muscadine grapes. Downy mildew decimates fruit and foliage, and can lead to complete crop loss. Downy mildew, as with many mildews and molds, thrives in regions and conditions of high humidity. Azoxystrobin need not be applied if downy mildew infection is not apparent, but once an infected leaf or grape cluster is identified, it should be applied regularly every seven to 10 days through late September.

Word of Caution

• Always carefully read the indications on the chemical you are intending to use on your vine. Many fungicides and insecticides are harmful to human beings, as well as pets and native species. Always use the lowest recommended amount of any chemical to treat your vine, and never exceed the maximum number of applications in a season, as indicated by the indication sheet that comes with the chemical. Contact your local university's extension program for details on alternative methods of treating diseases of the muscadine grape if you are concerned.