266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour Rot

Managing pests like powdery mildew, downy mildew, botrytis, and sour rot can be a complex challenge. Andy Fles, Vineyard Manager at Shady Lane Cellars in Michigan, shares insights from his USDA Sustainable Ag Research Education producer grant project. The project compares two pest management approaches: a 'soft' pesticide program and a conventional one. Andy conducted the experiment using his on farm sprayer, providing real-world results. Despite climate variability and fluctuating pest pressures, the soft pesticide program proved effective. The project underscores the potential of using softer chemistries to manage disease while maintaining fruit quality.

Resources:        

• REGISTER: April 25, 2025 | Fungicide Spraying: Evolving Strategies & Grower Insights
• 80: (Rebroadcast) The Goldilocks Principle & Powdery Mildew Management
• 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light
• 197: Managing the Sour Rot Disease Complex in Grapes
• 219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money
• 235: Battling Fungicide Resistance with Glove Sampling
• Rufus Issacson, Michigan State University
• Shady Lane Cellars Secures $11K National Farming Grant
• Timothy Miles, Michigan State University

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Transcript

[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: Managing pests like powdery mildew, downy mildew, botrytis and sour rot can be a complex challenge.

[00:00:10] Welcome to sustainable Wine Growing with Vineyard Team, where we bring you the latest in science and research for the wine industry. I'm Beth Vukmanic executive director.

[00:00:21] In today's podcast, Craig McMillan, critical resource Manager at Niner Wine Estates. With Longtime SIP Certified Vineyard and the first ever SIP certified winery speaks with Andy Fles, vineyard Manager at Shady Lane Cellars in Michigan. Andy shares insights from his USDA Sstainable Ag Research Education Producer grant project. The project compares to pest management approaches, a soft pesticide program and a conventional one.

[00:00:50] Andy conducted the experiment using his on farms sprayer, providing real world results. Despite climate variability and