Botrytis management

The following ‘actions’ can aid selection of cost-effective control measures for a particular site:

1. Measure botrytis severity at harvest objectively and obtain winery feedback on the impact of the botrytis level on winemaking
2. Establish a systematic process at each crop stage to identify site-specific factors contributing to botrytis risk
3. Set targets for acceptable botrytis control (zero tolerance or less than 5% severity?). If these targets cannot be met consistently in particular areas of a block, then review management or consider removing vines or changing grape variety
4. Implement cost-effective control measures that address the key factors that increase botrytis risk at a particular site.

Production of high quality grapes to target yields requires appropriate canopy management and judicious use of inputs for vine balance. These viticultural practices alone will contribute significantly to the management of botrytis bunch rot.