Viticultural Information

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Subject

Shoot Tip Dieback

Description

Severe water stress before bloom resulting in desiccated shoot tips, tendrils and flower clusters.

Shoot tip dieback is associated with young, rapidly growing shoots subjected to extremely hot weather. French Colombard is particularly susceptible. Affected shoots dieback from their tips to several nodes. Not all shoots are affected; a random loss of shoots through-out a vineyard is typical. Some shoots collapse; when cut open they show discoloration of the pith area. Young, vigorous vines in the training stages are particularly vulnerable. New shoot growth will eventually develop from lateral buds below the damaged area.

People

Peter Christensen
William Peacock

Publications

Flaherty, D., Christensen, L.P., Lanini, W., Marois, J., Phillips, P., and Wilson, L.T. 1992. Grape Pest Management, 2nd edition. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 3343, Oakland, CA.

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