Virginia Grape Disease Updates

Irene stayed little longer than I expected in our area.  At the end of Sunday, Winchester area received a total of about 0.5 inches of rain. I was monitoring the RH for last 2-3 days, but it was below 90% (actually it was 60-70% in most of time between rains).  It was probably because of high wind due to Irene.  Based on this information, the risk of Botrytis is not high; however, as with any precipitation events, it varies dramatically even between short distances.  (For example, our AREC station received 1.2 inches or so from Irene.)  Thus, please check your local weather service. 

I hope none of you (and your crops) were severely affected by Irene.  Although southeastern part of the state saw more of it (e.g., Richmond area received 3-4 inches of rain), Winchester area was the edge of the affected area by Irene and only received about 0.25 inches of rain.