069: When Are Insects Actually a Problem with Dr. Rufus Isaacs

Growers need to know which insects they need to treat and which they can ignore. While some insects pose a threat to grapevines, others can actually benefit them. In this episode, we have a discussion with the Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University, Dr. Rufus Isaacs, on this topic. Understanding when and what insects are actually a problem versus those that are hanging out or even providing a benefit is necessary for the health of your vineyard.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The insects that are most destructive during bud burst in the spring

• The insects that are destructive during bloom

• Methods and products for prevention and treatment of various pests

• How to identify thrips

• The importance of weekly scouting and knowing what to look for

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Resources:

Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE: www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.

Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. 

Download the Michigan State Mobile Guide for Grape IPM: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/a-mobile-guide-for-grape-ipm-scouting-in-north-central-and-eastern-u-s

Listen to the related episode: Episode 21 - The Rise of the Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Michela Centinari - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu021/ 

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Rufus Isaacs is a Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University.

Connect with Rufus: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/rufus_isaacs 

View his research work: https://www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu/ 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by SensorInsight and by Vigneron Toy Store.

Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring.  SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.

Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.

Episode Credits