How can you minimize the risk of fungal diseases while pruning?

Minimizing the risk of fungal diseases while pruning involves implementing best practices to protect the vine and ensure its overall health. Pruning on dry days is beneficial because it reduces the moisture that can encourage fungal spores to germinate and infect the cuts made during the process. Additionally, being careful to avoid injuries to healthy tissue is crucial because any damage can provide entry points for pathogens, increasing the likelihood of disease. Healthy, clean cuts made in dry conditions will heal better, thus minimizing the risk of infection.

Using a sterilized knife is also important for reducing the transmission of pathogens during pruning, but it's the combination of timing (pruning on dry days) and careful cutting that most effectively mitigates the risk of fungal diseases. Pruning on wet days introduces excessive moisture, which can increase the chance of developing fungal issues. Similarly, applying fungicide before pruning does not address the immediate risk associated with the act of pruning itself, making the timing and technique more critical factors in preventing disease.