Jeff,

Dormant oils "smother" fungus so they won't be around next year. If
you use them make sure you get GOOD coverage. THe chemical Captan (
right spelling ) is used for Phomopsis Cane and Downey Mildew. Those
are the disaeses it works BEST against that's why it's sprayed EARLY
next spring. I've heard it used for dormant sprays also. I'm surprised
its banned in your area. It's really quite safe. It's "days to
harvest" limitation is 0. I've read that if your worried about fungus
for new vines ,dip the vines in a 5% bleach solution in the spring
then rinse. I'm actually trying to find out whether I could spray my
vines with a bleach solution in spring. Maybe import the water from a
"public drinking" supply. being accostomed to GREAT well water
drinking public water tastes like a pool to me now.

Bob

Jeff Chorniak" > wrote in message >...
> I'm planning for spring. Have been reading about dormant oil sprays. Have
> never applied it myself. Do any of the grape growers on this group use
> dormant oil sprays? Is it advisable or not? Do you make your own? (I got a
> recipe) or do you use commercial spray? I've read it being applied to
> grapes. I wouldn't mind some feedback on this.
>
> Jeff