Preliminary Tests with an Atomizer Equipped for the Distribution of an Ozonised Solution in Vineyards

Recent years have seen the introduction of a lot of innovative techniques for contrasting vine pathogens through a reduced use of plant protection products (PPPs) of synthetic origin. Many of these techniques are still under test, such as thermal methods, UV radiation and ozonised solutions application. Amongst these, ozone is particularly reactive with other molecules and, thus, it has a high oxidising potential, capable of eliminating the microorganisms. Because of this biocidal power, it is viewed with great interest by those seeking an alternative to the conventional PPPs for vineyards, even if it is highly unstable. Research was therefore set up with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of an ozonised solution sprayer in a field application. Trials were conducted from mid-April until mid-August 2023 at a wine-growing company in northern Italy. Two trailed air-assisted sprayers were used, one equipped with an ozoniser, the other constituted by a conventional machine equipped for performing traditional chemical treatments. The data obtained after the first year of field experimentation show that the use of ozonised water only did not give any particular benefit, probably due to the not persistent action of the solution on the wetted surfaces. This fact made the treatment ineffective on the pathogens, especially in a particularly difficult year for vineyard defence such as 2023. In support of this, the collected data confirms 100% damage in terms of missed production both in the witness theses and in the mixed-treatment theses. However, even in the parcels treated with PPPs only, the reduction in production was higher than 50%.