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Sunburn results in browning, cracking, and shriveling of fruit; light-colored and white cultivars are generally more susceptible. Damage occurs on the west side of vines where temperatures tend to be highest in the afternoon. Excessive leaf removal on the west side of vines, summer pruning, late-season shoot positioning, drought conditions, and high temperatures induce sunburn injury.

Sunburn on 'Venus' seedless table grape.

(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Avoid excessive and lateseason leaf removal, shoot positioning, and summer pruning; complete maintenance pruning and shoot positioning before veraison (fruit coloring).
• Increasing sun exposure after veraison significantly increases fruit sunburn.

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