Grapes fall off vine before ripening - Ask Extension
Hello, we planted two grape vines about three years ago, and every year they get gobs of beautiful grape clusters all over, but the grapes disappear b...
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Grapes fall off vine before ripening #868648
Asked May 15, 2024, 11:08 PM EDT
Hello, we planted two grape vines about three years ago, and every year they get gobs of beautiful grape clusters all over, but the grapes disappear before ripening. I thought birds and squirrels might be getting them when I wasn't looking, so last year I bought nets and covered them completely, but again the grapes failed. I think they are falling off prematurely. Do you know what might be causing this, and if a soil test is indicated, what soil test we should use and where to get it? Thank you!
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
I will always advocate for a soil test. Soil nutrients and other qualities can provide early indicators of potential needs for the plant. I recommend a soil test every 3-5 years to stay on top of any changes you make to the soil. You can pick up an MSU soil test kit at your local MSU Extension office. You can find information on the soil testing program that MSU offers at this website: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started
Regarding the falling grapes, it sounds like it could possibly be a nutrient issue. A good soil test can rule this out. A more likely possibility is that it is a fungal disease impacting the grape's ability to hold onto the cluster stems, called a rachis. The most likely candidate would be phomopsis. Coincidentally, someone else had a similar issue a few years ago and posted the question to our site. Here is the response: https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=476717
Regarding the falling grapes, it sounds like it could possibly be a nutrient issue. A good soil test can rule this out. A more likely possibility is that it is a fungal disease impacting the grape's ability to hold onto the cluster stems, called a rachis. The most likely candidate would be phomopsis. Coincidentally, someone else had a similar issue a few years ago and posted the question to our site. Here is the response: https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=476717
