As every grower knows, what goes on beneath the surface of a vineyard is just as important as what's happening on the vine. Vines that appear starved for nutrients and water, despite regular irrigation and fertilization, are begging for closer inspection. Not only can root damage reduce the quality and quantity of the current year's crop, it also can stunt the vine's growth, impairing future crop yields and making the vine more vulnerable to attack from pests. Obviously, if the vine's roots aren't healthy, the vineyard's future could be jeopardized.

One of the most serious and common pests that damage grapevine roots are nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic, non-segmented roundworms. Not only can the level of nematode infestation be difficult to detect, there are an abundance of nematode varieties, several of which can produce significant losses for grape growers.

The best way to determine the level of infestation and determine the exact type of nematode is through soil and root analysis. Since nematodes are microscopic, an analysis is best conducted through a qualified laboratory. Your local dealer or your Entek Representative can assist you in taking samples and interpreting the results.

Once the particular nematode(s) and the level of infestation have been identified, an effective treatment - including ENZONE® - can be developed. ENZONE will not only help improve the health of your vines, it also can help bring about a measureable increase in fruit size and yield.

ENZONE is a soil fumigant that can be used in post-plant applications or for pre-plant fumigation. For post-plant applications, ENZONE is applied just after root flush, when nematodes are most active and attacking the tender new roots. ENZONE quickly and effectively kills all species of nematodes during this most vulnerable stage of their life cycle.

ENZONE is environmentally friendly. A few days after application, ENZONE breaks down into naturally occurring soil minerals, eliminating the danger of ground water contamination. ENZONE won't leave residue on your harvested crops, and does not require a "Restricted Use" permit to be applied. And, birds and wildlife that inadvertently ingest ENZONE will not be harmed.

For more information about ENZONE, or about the management of nematodes, contact your local dealer or call Helena at (559) 261-9030.

When it comes to nematodes, what you can't see can hurt you. If you want to keep your vineyard healthy, the time is ripe for ENZONE.