Grape Vines (forum)

Edna starts with ...
We recently moved into a home with three older grape vines which have not been pruned for a long time. Most of the leaves are now yellow with many turning to rust color. Some are rust colored with a small bit of green at the stem. There appear to be a few healthy green leaves, and only a few grapes. Any idea with what kind of problem we are dealing? Any advice?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3
Picture: 4
Picture: 5

Time: 26th July 2015 2:16pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Edna
Nampa, Idaho
#UserID: 12089
Posts: 2
View All Edna's Edible Fruit Trees

Manfred says...
Great opener for a dialogue between Australia and the US, but we really aren't all that skilled in the types of problems you might face.

Almost all grapes in Australia are V vinifera, and the US is the home of V labrusca.

What do you think your grapes might be. If they are the lambrus type, we probably know nothing about them, but would be delighted to learn.

If they are vinifera, you don't have a problem at all, hack into them as hard as you like, and next year you will get more grapes than your family can eat.

Most people worry too much about pruning grapevines. If you aren't looking for an easy to pick, maximum production from a minimum area, pruning to shape works beautifully. Phylloxera gets into them, but not into V labrusca, and nothing else causes anything but minor problems.

(Always willing to be corrected if any of our US correspondents have more relevant information.)

Time: 26th July 2015 7:34pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(1) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
People who Like this Answer: Edna
About the Author Manfred
tully
#UserID: 9565
Posts: 243
View All Manfred's Edible Fruit Trees

jakfruit etiquette says...
From the pics the leaves are severly chlorotic, nearly white. I dont think its insects or fungus or virus. As Manfred says, you may need local knowledge to eliminate those. Its possibly herbicide injury, ie spraying weed killer too close, or spray drift injury. Other more likely possibility is fertilizing out of whack. It looks like it could be over fertilizing/wrong fertilizer, as much as under fertilizing.
Have you done any spraying/ fertilizing recently? Either way I would try a seaweed type spray on the foliage, to try and fix it. Often those leaf effects have a lot to do with soil pH, causing problems with fertilizer nutrient uptake by the roots. Has anything changed near the vines roots, ie new concrete paths, car washing, that might alter soil ?

Time: 26th July 2015 10:55pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(1) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
People who Like this Answer: Edna
Original Post was last edited: 26th July 2015 10:53pm
About the Author jakfruit etiquette
vic
#UserID: 5133
Posts: 915
View All jakfruit etiquette's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
What is the best type of soil for growing grapes?

Hello, I just got one of your Muscadine Grapes so could you please tell me what type of soil they like. My soil is very sandy and dry with very little nutrition. I would prefer to plant it in the ground but if in pots what is the best type of potting mix for them?
Thank you.

Time: 2nd November 2015 11:23pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Linton
Springvale, Vic
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery says...
@Linton they aren't that fussy just as long as it isn't boggy and being sandy you likely don't have that problem. Needs to be so water can easily drain through. And during Spring and summer always good to keep the water up to them.

In saying that quality soil will give you the most success by adding value to it and mulching well so that it breaks down slowly.


If you were going to plant them in pots an all round fruit/citrus potting mix is going to work well. The less you pay the more you need to change the soil So a cheap one you will change ever year an expensive one every 2-3 years sometimes they write suggestions on the plastic or you can ask them.

Time: 3rd November 2015 10:08am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery
36 Daleys Lane, Geneva via Kyogle, NSW 2474
#UserID: 5172
Posts: 80
View All Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery's Edible Fruit Trees