HAIL
Identification
- Broken shoots
- Localized indentations or shredding of epidermis of shoots
- Torn leaves with large holes
- Bruised or split fruit
- Berries injured early in the season shrivel and turn brown while those injured after veraison can become infected with bunch rot diseases
- Injury tends to be much more severe on windward side of the row
- Sharp hailstones tend to cause more injury than round ones
- Large hail stones can tear older canes and trunk
Often Confused With
Black rot mummies: black pimple-like fruiting bodies on both sides of vine
Anthracnose lesions on shoots or berries: raised dark purplish brown ring surrounding a light greyish tan centre on both sides of vine
Phomopsis lesions on shoots: on basal 5 internodes; on both sides of the vine; foliar lesions with dark fleck surrounded by yellow ring
Period of Activity
During any severe rain storm.
Scouting Notes
Be aware of any severe weather that passes in the area of a vineyard, and monitor closely after these weather events. Driving rain may also produce similar but minor symptoms, especially on leaves.
Management Notes
Apply bunch rot fungicides to protect injured fruit.