Early in the season is a good time of year for getting a handle on nutrient deficiencies. Nutrient deficiencies can be an issue for young grapevines, which have relatively small root systems, and also for mature grapevines, especially in vineyards with undervine cover that competes with the vines for nutrients.
Leaf symptoms of some nutrient deficiencies are most obvious between budbreak and bloom. For example, iron deficiency appears as pale-yellow leaves at the shoot tips.
Drought-induced boron deficiency appears as stunted shoots with deformed basal leaves. It is not just the leaves that are damaged. Some nutrient deficiencies cause low yields; they can lead to poor fruit set, shot berries, and/or uneven ripening.
Iron Deficiency
Boron Deficiency
By collecting leaf petioles or blades, and sending them to a diagnostic lab, measures can be taken to correct deficiencies that are diagnosed early in the season. If yields have been inexplicably lower over the past few years, and especially if you see odd leaf colors (i.e., not green), a nutrient deficiency may be part of the problem.
Contact us for evaluation and correction services. Take action early in the season for best outcomes.