Can I eat the grapes if there are spots on the leaves?

If the fruit itself is healthy and shows no signs of rot, it is safe to eat. However, the vine will be weaker next year if the disease is not managed.

Will the spots go away on their own?

No, fungal spots will not disappear. You must remove the infected parts and treat the vine to stop the fungus from spreading.

Muscadine grape: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fungal growth.
Check the fruit for shriveling or dark spots.
Examine the stems for any sunken lesions.

Likely causes

Black Rot
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small reddish brown spots that turn black and develop tiny black dots in the center. It often spreads to the fruit, causing it to shrivel and turn into mummies.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected leaves and mummified fruit immediately. Apply a fungicide labeled for grapes every 7 to 14 days during the active growing season.
Anthracnose
Possible
How to tell: This causes sunken, dark spots with light centers on leaves and stems. It can cause shoots to look scorched or twisted.
What to do: Prune out all infected wood during the dormant season. Keep the area around the base of the vine clean of debris to prevent spores from splashing back up.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your muscadine grape

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the spots are spreading rapidly to the fruit, you need to act fast to save your harvest. A few isolated spots on older leaves late in the season are usually harmless.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your vines to improve airflow and always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.

Muscadine grape: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your muscadine grape and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I eat the grapes if there are spots on the leaves?: If the fruit itself is healthy and shows no signs of rot, it is safe to eat. However, the vine will be weaker next year if the disease is not managed.
Will the spots go away on their own?: No, fungal spots will not disappear. You must remove the infected parts and treat the vine to stop the fungus from spreading.

Guides to these causes

Anthracnose

Why are there dark spots on my muscadine grape leaves?