Biocontrol of grapevine diseases

Abstract

In 2018, work began on the project: Alternative protection of interregional plant production in the Pyrenees (PALVIP). A project whose main objective was the study of compounds of biological origin for the control of pests and diseases in vineyards and fruit trees. Participants in the project: Chambre d'agriculture Pyrénées orientales, INCAVI, University of Girona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Perpinyà, and the companies Akinao and Futureco Bioscience. INCAVI focused on efficacy studies in the control of powdery mildew and downy mildew in field applications. Work has been done with microorganisms (bacteria) and plant extracts that have a biocidal or competitive action on the parasitic fungus and/or the ability to stimulate natural defenses. Interesting results have been obtained in the complementary use of the materials studied with those of reference: they allow to reduce the copper doses in the control of downy mildew or obtain good efficacy in the control of powdery mildew. PALVIP represents a further step in the progress towards organic growing vines with respect for the environment, improvement of working conditions and improvement of wines, basic objectives of current viticulture.