The black rot fungus can survive the winter in mummifiedberries and also in stem lesions. During wet spring weather thefungus is spread to new tissue. Sanitation measures are thereforevery important in controlling this disease. All mummies anddiseased stem tissue should be removed. Because the disease isfavored by wet conditions, good air movement among plants ishelpful in preventing the disease.
Chemical control is based onthe use of protective fungicides.
Home orchard sprays areavailable to homeowners. Make sure the product is labeled forcontrol of black rot of grape. The product label will giveinstructions for proper timing of applications, rates, and safetyprecautions. Prepared by Paula Flynn , Department of Plant Pathology Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa. This information subject to a usage policy .