T&J Enterprises
BioVam and Other fine organic products    
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PROTOCOL FOR
WINE, RAISIN, AND TABLE GRAPES

I. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

A. APPLICATION IN NURSERY:
Mix BioVam as an amendment to bedding soils at a rate of (8 lbs) one gallon per cubic yard.  If grapes are grown in individual liners, each plant should receive approximately 1 teaspoon.  BioVam can also be applied as a top dressing in container stock.  Use 1.5 teaspoons per container and water it in immediately.

Caution: If you pasteurize your soils, keep in mind that temperatures above 110 F (45 C) may be lethal to the Mycorrhiza in BioVam.

B. APPLICATION IN THE FIELD FOR NEW PLANTINGS OR TRANSPLANTING:
A minimum of 1.5 teaspoons of BioVam per plant is recommended. Place BioVam directly onto the roots. 

C. DIP FOR CUTTINGS:
This method is highly recommended when planting unrooted cuttings. Wet cuttings with water or a solution of water and cytokinin derived from kelp.  Dip cuttings into dry BioVam powder and roll until thoroughly covered.  This will take about 1/2 teaspoon of BioVam.  Put another 1/2 teaspoon of BioVam in the planting hole before inserting the cutting.  If you are growing the cutting in a pot, put 1.5 teaspoons of BioVam on the roots when the grape plants are planted in the vineyard.

D. APPLICATION TO ESTABLISHED PLANTINGS:
We recommend that mature grape plants be treated with BioVam by applying a dose of about 1 teaspoon into each of six probe holes into the root zone of the grape plant.   Put holes about 4-5 inches out from the main vine.   You may want to dig the soil away from a plant so you can see how deep the roots are so you poke the probe holes deep enough into the soil on the rest of the plants to be treated.  Use a 5' metal pry bar with a pointed end to make the probe holes.

Supplemental post-planting applications of BioVam can be achieved by means of probe holes as described above into the root zone, or planting BioVam-treated cover crops that can vector BioVam to the roots of the established plantings.  We recommend supplemental applications of BioVam to established vineyards at five year intervals or when cultural conditions dictate.

E. FREQUENCY OF USE OF BIOVAM
Regular and frequent addition of BioVam is more important in clayey soils than sandy, porous soils. Soil around the vine bases should also be top dressed with composted materials rich in bio-control agents.

F. FERTILIZERS:
We recommend the use of well-composted materials added to the fill soil, but not to exceed 10% by volume. Materials high in fulvic and humic acids are the most advantageous to successful union of BioVam and root. Beware of soluble phosphates as they can turn off the action of BioVam. The percentage of phosphorus in any fertilizer you use should not exceed one (2) on the NPK label.  Bound up phosphates are not limited by this 2% rule.  

Caution: Do not use pre-plant fertilizer or fertilizers in the hole at time of planting. Added chemical or organic fertilizers will impair the BioVam's ability to establish itself in the root of the plant and delay or destroy the beneficial effects of BioVam on the plant.   It should be noted that lacing Biosol 6-1-3 fertilizer through the soil will not be a detriment.  The idea is to avoid dumping fertilizer in the bottom of the hole and then setting the plant on top of the fertilizer. 

G. FREQUENCY OF USE OF FERTILIZER:
One application of Biosol Mix or another organic fertilizer equivalent to NPK 6-1-3 should be adequate for the first two years of vine development. A dose of 1/2 lb. of the fertilizer may be applied as a top dressing at the base of the vine. Third and subsequent fertilizing applications should be increased to one pound per vine each year.

H. MISCELLANY:
All recommendations about dosage represent a minimum amount. Increased dosages will add to speed and effectiveness of BioVam's work on the roots of your plants.  Sulfur treatments should be minimized or replaced by mildew-fighting bacteria.  Insect control should be achieved by using effective integrated pest control measures (IPM) whenever possible.  If grape cuttings require foliar feeding, our recommendation is to use a cytokinin spray mixed with fish emulsion. This solution can also be applied to roots through a drip system.