Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/123973
Mahaffee and his research team designed and built a simple spore trap to perform virtually the same function for about $300 in parts and materials, and it was successfully tested and used in Oregon vineyards. The spore trap is anchored in the vineyard and uses PVC tubing as a stand and frame for an attached spore collection device located at the top of the vine canopy. A small solar PV panel above the vine canopy, and a 12-volt battery in a protective box, are power sources for a motor that continuously spins (24/7) a horizontal steel rod with two 40 mm-long spore collection rods mounted vertically on the ends of the horizontal rod. The collection rods are stainless steel spikes coated with grease to contact and catch spores from surrounding air processed through the trap at a rate of 62 liters of air per minute. Mahaffee recom- Protect Your Investment 24/7 Materials for Mahaffee's simple spore trap run about $300, less than half the cost of some ready-made models. mends replacing the motor and battery annually as part of routine maintenance. Bird Control Netting Watch the installation video at: www.vinbiz.com Call toll freee 800-544-2210 for more information Vineyard Industry Products Manufacturers of Hwy Stakes, Cross Arms and the JR Clip® patent #'s 5501035, 5916028 Mill direct shipments anywhere in the U.S. and Canada T-Posts 66 • Hwy Stakes V I N E YARD & WINERY MANAGEMENT | • Rebar May - June 2013 • End Posts • Wire CVC viticulturist Seth Schwebs manages the spore trap placement, monitoring and testing service for grower clients. Schwebs worked in Oregon vineyards for several years and consulted with Mahaffee, who provided trap design instructions and protocols that Schwebs uses for CVC clients. Vineyard clients advise on locations to place spore traps based on historical knowledge of PM in their vineyards. "Traps are generally placed in the highest PM pressure locations in the vineyard, often where grape canopies are denser, there is less airflow, or where there are varieties more susceptible to PM," Schwebs said. There is no rule of thumb for the number of traps per vineyard, but placement in CVC client vineyards currently ranges from about one trap per 5 acres, to as few as one trap for 40 acres if the vineyard is planted mostly with one variety, and its terrain and environmental conditions are fairly uniform. Mahaffee said trap coverage is one area that continues to be studied, and he is working with engineers to develop simulation models that can better predict spore movement and PM infection spread through a vineyard site based on environmental conditions, management activities and other factors. w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m