VASCM: To all the growers out there

[Thomas Legan]

I am curious to hear about local grower's recent and current
experiences battling powdery mildew.  I have my own story to share.  6
wks or so ago we experienced a clump of mildew promoting weather with
humidity, clouds and 70's temps at 1000' in the SC Mtns.  Despite
being on a strict spraying schedule, mildew suddenly  appeared in
significant ares of my Pinot and Chard.  We stepped up and altered our
spray schedule and pesticides to weekly sprays for 3 weeks and we seem
to have at least halted the spread and stabilized the situation. I
believe we have lost 5-10% of our nice crop. Because we're carrying
more fruit than usual, I think we'll still make out OK, but isn't that
always the way?  You think your're doing great and the BAM!  Prudy, Ms
Pinot,  saved the day!

-- 
Best always,

Tom