Low-impact control of fungal diseases of the grapevine = Controllo a basso impatto dei parassiti fungini della vite

Environmental sustainability, linked to fungicide treatments, leads to a quest for innovative answers, which are closer to the environmental ones. In this context we included our experimental activity, developed in the harvests of 2013, 2014 and 2015, which is looking for innovative defense solutions in viticulture. The work was based on the study of a new low-impact product, which contains peroxides, for the defense against fungi pathogens in grapevine, especially downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery mildew (Uncinula necator, syn. Erysiphe necator). Some tests were done at the experimental farm at the University of Udine “ A. Servadei”, while others were carried out in vineyard in some farms of Northern Italy. In general, the preliminary results confirmed the possibility of total protection against fungal diseases in vineyards with the new product at low impact for some varieties under certain climatic conditions; however, we should consider the possibility of managing certain situations with an integrated strategy. The opportunity of using the new product offers new perspectives for the management of viticulture. The treatments should be applied in a rational way, taking into account weather conditions and the physiological responses of the cultivars. Given the absence of product residues and non-interference in winemaking of any residual peroxides, it can be assumed an application also in the final stages of the phytoiatric defense season According to the results, further trials are needed to respond to situations of risk by optimizing the control strategies in each specific condition.