Protection from rabbits, rodents and other game
(See vineyard management - planting)
1.2.3.a Protecting young vines
Protection against cryptogamic diseases
Even more care should be taken to protect young plants from fungal diseases than established vines. Indeed, young organisms are more sensitive to fungi which makes them an ideal target for mildew and powdery mildew. Protection measures must be monitored with scrutiny and adapted according to the fungal pressure and the weather conditions.
Oftentimes, it's recommended to apply treatments even at the end of the season to limit the risk of late attacks, particularly the appearance of mosaic mildew. This could lead to defoliation and therefore diminish the plant's reserves, which are essential for the young plant to survive the winter.
The phytosanitary coverage of the vineyard must, as much as possible, be adapted to the shape, height and size of the vine's foliage. Certain tools are better suited to the first vine treatments to protect the vineyard, though normally such types of equipment are best for widely-spaced vines.
Young vines are also treated against Flavescence dorée often in regions where treatment is mandatory by decree.
Winter conditions
A "chaussage", also called "buttage" or "cavaillonage" in French, refers to earthing/hilling up or ridging the vines: this operation protects young vines during rigorous winters, especially during periods of frost.