Control of fungal diseases of the grapevine by low-impact products

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, 2015 and 2016, 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. 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.