Are there alternatives to copper for controlling grapevine downy mildew in organic viticulture?

S. Dagostin^1*, H. J. Schärer², I. Pertot¹ and L. Tamm²

Abstract
Downy mildew caused by the obligate biotrophic oomycete Plasmopara viticola is one of the most important and devastating diseases of grapevine. Copper-based fungicides are used to control the disease in organic vineyards. However, since 2006, copper use has been limited by an European Commission regulation.

In this study conducted from 2004 to 2007, we tested materials that might replace copper in organic viticulture, under controlled greenhouse and field conditions at two locations in Europe (northern Italy and Switzerland). We tested 112 different treatments, including biocontrol agents, materials of animal origin, homeopathic preparations, inorganic materials, microbial extracts, natural derivatives, plant extracts, physical methods and synthetic materials.

Good control results were observed for two new copper formulations, but one of them induced phytotoxic effects. Two of the plant extracts provided good control on both leaves and clusters, and six of them controlled the infection on clusters only. One biocontrol agent reduced symptoms on leaves and bunches. Three of the other treatments provided good control on leaves, and four of them provided good control on bunches. Clay was as effective as copper on both leaves and bunches.

Currently, even if there is no treatment that is as effective as copper for controlling grapevine downy mildew in organic vineyards, Yucca schidigera and Salvia officinalis extracts and Trichoderma harzianum, could be considered as promising candidates to be developed. This study may help the development of an integrated management program in which a less effective product is applied in combination with copper, to reduce the total quantities of copper applied.

Source
Crop Protection (2011) 30: 776-788
DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2011.02.031

Author Locations and Affiliations
(1) Fondazione Edmund Mach, IASMA Research and Innovation Center, Via Mach 1, S. Michele all’Adige, Trento 38010, Italy
(2) Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Frick 5070, Switzerland
* Corresponding author, E-mail silvia.dagostin@iasma.it

Posted June 2011


	Organic Sci. Cluster	About Us	Top 10	Français
	British Columbia	Alberta	Saskatchewan	Manitoba
	Ontario	Québec	Atlantic	Donate
Research Extension Courses Consumers -------------------------- Virtual Tours Student & Job Opportunities News Articles Standards -------------------------- Market Information Events Issues Animal Welfare Strategic Plans -------------------------- Links Award-winners Site Map	Are there alternatives to copper for controlling grapevine downy mildew in organic viticulture? *S. Dagostin^1, H. J. Schärer², I. Pertot¹ and L. Tamm² Abstract** Downy mildew caused by the obligate biotrophic oomycete Plasmopara viticola is one of the most important and devastating diseases of grapevine. Copper-based fungicides are used to control the disease in organic vineyards. However, since 2006, copper use has been limited by an European Commission regulation. In this study conducted from 2004 to 2007, we tested materials that might replace copper in organic viticulture, under controlled greenhouse and field conditions at two locations in Europe (northern Italy and Switzerland). We tested 112 different treatments, including biocontrol agents, materials of animal origin, homeopathic preparations, inorganic materials, microbial extracts, natural derivatives, plant extracts, physical methods and synthetic materials. Good control results were observed for two new copper formulations, but one of them induced phytotoxic effects. Two of the plant extracts provided good control on both leaves and clusters, and six of them controlled the infection on clusters only. One biocontrol agent reduced symptoms on leaves and bunches. Three of the other treatments provided good control on leaves, and four of them provided good control on bunches. Clay was as effective as copper on both leaves and bunches. Currently, even if there is no treatment that is as effective as copper for controlling grapevine downy mildew in organic vineyards, Yucca schidigera and Salvia officinalis extracts and Trichoderma harzianum, could be considered as promising candidates to be developed. This study may help the development of an integrated management program in which a less effective product is applied in combination with copper, to reduce the total quantities of copper applied. *Source* Crop Protection (2011) 30: 776-788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2011.02.031 *Author Locations and Affiliations* (1) Fondazione Edmund Mach, IASMA Research and Innovation Center, Via Mach 1, S. Michele all’Adige, Trento 38010, Italy (2) Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Frick 5070, Switzerland * Corresponding author, E-mail silvia.dagostin@iasma.it Posted June 2011
Top

Are there alternatives to copper for controlling grapevine downy mildew in organic viticulture?

Top