I leave some on a second year vine if it's big enough. So vine size is the key in my opinion. As with all young fruit vines/trees, I thin extra heavily. So how big is your vine? What is the caliper of the trunk? How big and long are the canes and how many did you leave? How many sq ft would you expect the vine to cover this year? Is it in full sun? These are the factors I'd consider.

I try to cut them down every year, but man do those things grow fast! And thick vines! Some are as thick as my wrist and grow so high up in the trees there's no way I can reach them. But...I'll find a place for the new ones and keep a good eye on them. Thanks. ;) V.

Thank you both for the info! I have never sprayed grapes before, this is new to me. I have 3 seedless grape vines climb on a big gazebo (photo1), and 1 seeded grape vine climb on a small gagezo(photo2), I can't reach a lot of the grapes on the big gazebo roof (15-16' tall), birds eat most of the seedless grapes on top, I shared seedless grapes which I could reach and seeded ones (birds won't eat those) with neighbors and their grandkids every year until last year the black rot showed up. The seeded grape vine has less damage than the seedless ones for some reason. I will spray all of them in the spring. The only way I can collect mummies is to cut the vines down. I am thinking about planting rambler roses to cover the top and keep the grapes within reach up to 8' tall. If I cut down the vines to the ground this fall, will I get any grapes next year? Thanks I just read the Smal Fruits and Grape Spray Guide, it listed sulfur for black rod. I have 40lb sulfur, I use sulfur mix with dish soap for Powdery Mildew and black spots on roses! :-) Have anyone tried with sulfur spray for black rot?

Black rot is the Achilles heel of organic growers. There are some new products out there like double nickel and regalia but they're ag use only as far as I know.