Yellow leaves on grapevines indicate an iron deficiency. Under the so-called Plants often suffer from chlorosis due to an incorrect pH value.
if Grapevines yellow leaves, although autumn is far from in sight, it is called chlorosis. The plant disease, also known as bleaching, can even lead to the death of the entire vine after a long period of time. In the case of chlorosis, green chlorophyll is no longer formed in the leaves. Without this dye, however, the plant cannot photosynthesize. In order for the plant to still bring a rich harvest, you should definitely treat chlorosis.
Recognize chlorosis in grapevines
Jaundice in wine is usually caused by a deficiency in the important nutrient iron. Such a deficiency can also occur when there are actually enough iron stores in the ground. But more on that later. In wine, the young leaves often turn yellow first, whereby the leaf veins remain green at the beginning. Tendrils, young shoots and grapes can also be affected. If the chlorosis spreads, it is only a matter of time before the leaves fall off. Incidentally, magnesium deficiency chlorosis with similar symptoms can also occur in white wine varieties.
Grapevines: prevent chlorosis
As already mentioned, in most cases an iron deficiency is responsible for the chlorosis. This is triggered by drought, waterlogging, compacted soil and, in particular, by an excessively high pH value. In all cases, the wine can no longer absorb enough iron, although there is actually enough in the earth. In the case of persistent drought, it is therefore necessary to pour thoroughly from time to time. Green manure or compost can help against compacted soil and waterlogging. The humus in the compost allows water to flow off better and ensures a better soil structure. If none of this helps, then it is worth taking a look at the soil pH value. This can be measured fairly easily with an easy-to-use test. In light soil, the pH should not be above 6.3 and in heavy soils the limit is around 7. Most soils will not exceed these pH levels. If yours does, you can adjust the pH with Epsom salt or lime-free peat regulate downwards.
Chlorosis and bleaching in grapevines: treat and combat
If all preventive measures did not help, then there may really be a real nutritional deficiency in iron or magnesium. In order to remedy this particularly quickly, a foliar fertilization is recommended. Since the fertilizer must not be too concentrated here, a special leaf fertilizer should be used. In general, you should pay attention to a balanced and regular fertilization of your wine. It doesn't have to be a special wine fertilizer: a good fruit fertilizer or organic fertilizer will do the same. In the case of an acute deficiency, we recommend ours Plantura organic tomato & vegetable fertilizer. The liquid fertilizer is characterized by its rapid effectiveness. If you want to prevent chlorosis, you can use our Plantura organic hydrangea fertilizer use. This contains iron and has a three-month long-term effect.
In addition to chlorosis in grapes, powdery mildew is also a problem that many hobby gardeners struggle with. In our special article you will learn how to get fake and real Recognize, fight and prevent powdery mildew in wine can.