Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/62516
GRAPE GRO WING I know I will not have the time to return to check it for at least a week, I may perceive a much higher risk of damage compared to knowing I will be back in a couple of days to check it again. Therefore I would be more inclined to treat the problem now. The price of the crop can affect perceived risk. The same level of leafhoppers on a high-priced crop is more likely to be perceived as a problem than on a low-priced crop. Demand for winegrapes in given year can affect perceived risk. When there is a glut of grapes in the market, and wineries can be picky about the grapes they buy, a grower is more likely to perceive a higher risk for a given pest population compared to years of low grape availability when wineries will take anything. And finally, peer pressure can affect perceived risk of pest damage. Who wants to be accused by their peers of having a ratty look- ing vineyard? Understanding the difference between perceived risk and real risk of pest damage, and that sound pest management decisions are made when they match, is an important aspect of sustainable winegrape growing. You may have to make compromises and may not be able to do this all the time. But being aware of it will likely reduce the number of times compromises are made and move you along the sustainable winegrowing continuum, as well as save you money. Dr. Cliff Ohmart is vice president of professional services for Sure- Agfast Aglok Sept01 7/31/01 8:03 AM Page 1 Grape leafhopper damage can be severe, as evidenced above, but it is up to growers to decide when severity outweighs the cost of spraying. Mori_Nov05.qxt 9/19/05 3:29 PM Page 1 HoytShepston_Monthly09 10/31/08 4:44 Harvest and author of "View from the Vineyard: A practical guide to sus- tainable winegrape growing," published by the Wine Appreciation Guild. Previously he served as research/IPM director at the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission. He has been writing about sustainable wine- growing issues for Wines & Vines since 1998. SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY VIRUS CERTIFIED AGLOK™ • UV stabilized with carbon black additive • Strong, durable and flexible • Versatile – used in tree and vine crops and in nursery and irrigation applications • Easy to use – and reuse • Now available in 11-1/2, 150' dispenser cartons & 500' foot spools For your nearest dealer, contact: GRAFTED GRAPEVINES Deadline for Custom Grafted Order For Spring Planting is January of Previous Year For Further Information & Pricing Please Call or Write 1912 Concession 4 Toll-Free: 877.552-4828 909.451.2299 • Fax: 909.593-8309 R.R. #2 Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario, Canada LOS 1J0 Phone: 905-468-0822 Fax: 905-468-0344 Wines & Vines nOVeMBeR 2011 111