Powdery mildew of the vine, caused by Erysiphe necator, is one of the most important diseases in viticulture.
At present, the pest is usually controlled with 6-10 fungicide applications. Due to the negative effects of pesticides on the ecosystem, the EU Commission wants to reduce the use of plant protection products by 50 per cent by 2030. This project contributes to this endeavour and aims to reduce the number of fungicide applications required to combat powdery mildew without compromising crop quality.
There are indications that it is possible to minimise the number of fungicide treatments, particularly at the beginning of the vegetation period. Mathematical models can make an important contribution here; however, numerous gaps in knowledge about the epidemiology of the pathogen still need to be closed in order to fully utilise this potential.
Targeted and thus pesticide-reducing management requires consideration of regional disease development.
The project addresses the key factors here: The time of primary infection, the spread of ascospores and the incubation period will be analysed in combination with weather factors under natural and controlled conditions.
Based on these results, mathematical models and regionally adapted fungicide strategies for winegrowers will be developed. These knowledge-based strategies enable sustainable concepts for plant protection in viticulture and contribute to achieving a 50 per cent reduction in pesticides.
Project manager at the W&O RTD: DI Christian Redl
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