Pests and Diseases in Vineyards with Chris Buckley

This show was published Friday, March 14, 2025

Overview

Chris Buckley, viticulturist and business director at VineWorks, discusses vineyard disease powdery mildew, downy mildew and later in the season, botrytis (or grey rot) are prevalent in the UK's wet, maritime climate. In terms of pests, birds pose the biggest risk in the UK, particularly starlings, and can decimate a vineyard. They are becoming more of a problem as plantings grow but there are measures beyond using netting and loud noises to ward them off.

We talk about trellising systems that help manage the vine's canopy and mechanical spraying of fungicides to protect the vine and remove diseases as they appear. The chemicals are expensive and as such, the decision to spray has to be well thought through before going ahead. Weather station technology has moved on significant which gives growers the key indicators as to what is happening and where in the vineyard to work out what protective measures are required.

Subscribe

Using XML subscription or through Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you normally listen to podcasts.

Sponsorship

The UK Wine Show is sponsored by ThirtyFifty. Our team of wine tasters are busy entertaining and educating UK consumers to help them get the most out of wine.

Support us on Patreon

If you are a regular listener, do consider supporting the UK Wine Show on Patreon. You can pledge a monthly payment, equivalent to a cup of coffee or very small glass of wine!

Become a Patron!

Music

The music used for the UK Wine Show is Griffes de Jingle 1 by Marcel de la Jartèle and Silence by Etoile Noire.