Comparisons of Hand and Machine Leaf Removal for the Control of Botrytis Bunch Rot

Abstract

Basal leaf removal of grapevines has been shown to be effective in controlling Botrytis bunch rot of grapes. A comparison of hand leaf removal with the Nairns Leaf Blower and the Gallagher Leaf Plucker showed both machines to be capable of adequate leaf removal depending on trellis type and disease control resulting from machine leaf removal was generally not significantly different from that achieved as a result of hand leaf removal.