Grape growers should focus on maintaining their plants’ health, protecting them from diseases and pests, and ensuring proper ripening of the fruit. As harvest time approaches, specific care is crucial for a successful yield.

Sparrows pose a significant threat to ripening grapes, pecking at berries and potentially ruining entire bunches. Protective nets with large enough cells to allow airflow are recommended to deter birds. Covering material can serve as a temporary solution until nets are available.

Fungal diseases, particularly mildew (downy mildew), are a concern during August’s rainy and cool weather. Mildew manifests as a white, cotton-like coating on the underside of leaves, ultimately affecting the entire leaf. Affected leaves should be removed, and the plant treated with biological preparations containing Bacillus subtilis bacteria, ensuring both sides of the leaves are wetted. In cases of severe infestation, sulfur-containing preparations like “Thiovit jet” or “Kumulus” can be used on the most affected areas. Opting for grape varieties resistant to fungal diseases is a proactive measure.

During this period, refrain from watering grapes in open ground due to the increasing rainfall, which can dilute the berries’ taste. In greenhouses, water sparingly, every 10–14 days, avoiding both complete soil dryness and excessive moisture, which can promote fungal diseases.

Throughout the season, regularly remove stepchildren (shoots that form in the internodes of the leaves) to prevent shading of the bunches and nutrient diversion. In mid-August, begin chasing grapes – pruning the tops of the vine shoots – to improve yield and berry quality. Carefully cut the shoots, leaving at least 12–15 leaves above the bunch to facilitate sugar development in the berries. After harvesting the first crop, remove lower leaves to expose the vine to more sunlight, which is particularly important for regions with shorter growing seasons.

If leaves show chlorosis (yellow leaves with yellow veins), it indicates impaired photosynthesis. Address this by applying magnesium sulfate, either through root feeding (10 grams per liter of water) or foliar spraying (15 grams per 10 liters of water), after the main watering. Avoid nitrogen and organic fertilizers during this stage, as they can harm the plants.