What is that white powder?

So I was lucky enough to go on a bike ride through the Dry Creek area of Sonoma County this afternoon - I don't think the weather gets better than this!

As I was riding I noticed one vineyard where the vines were a "whiteish" color - actually only about half the vineyard was like this.

Can anyone tell me what this would have been, what is it used for and how does it affect the fruit.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Steve Snyder on August 23, 2008 at 5:06pm: I actually spray a 10% solution of milk and a bio-fungicide called Sonata and milk does not make the leaves white like that. I can tell that it is pretty effective at keeping Powder Mildew off my vines in my climate.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christophe Smith on August 28, 2008 at 10:48am: Steven, most likely you are correct with the clay mixture. As I understand it, the clay mixture is natural and is a prevention method, mostly for deer. The mixture creates a bad taste and stops the deer from devouring the foliage. In turn the leaves stay in tact and provide the much needed shade for even ripening. Without the leaves the clusters would get burnt. It is unsightly and there should be more material on this practice to avoid confusion. People see this mess and think "oh, well I won't be buying wine from them." It is a harmless practice. Any of this powder that may get on the grapes would simply fall out of the wine during racking and fining.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nathan R. Carlson on August 28, 2008 at 8:54am: http://www.gnb.ca/0174/01740008-e.pdf

My guess is that it is Surround, or a similar clay product, like many have stated. Has to be that.

see link above for info on the chem - an organic treatment for a few different issues.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andrew on August 28, 2008 at 8:02pm: Ding! Do we not have a winner here: pretty much a positive ID? Everything else doesn't really fit....; ▶ Reply to This