Project

Biological Crop Protection in Dutch Viticulture

Viticulture is becoming an increasingly important topic in the Netherlands due to climate change. The Vereniging Wijnbouwers der Lage Landen approached the Wageningen Science Shop with the question of how biological viticulture, without active substances, can be made feasible in the Netherlands. This association, with around 900 members, has the primary goal of sharing knowledge about grape cultivation and winemaking. Many of the members of the association practice organic viticulture, leading to an increasing demand for more knowledge on disease control using biological methods. The focus is specifically on combating three major viticulture diseases: downy mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis.

In this project, Wageningen Research Field Crops Randwijk, in collaboration with the Vereniging Wijnbouwers der Lage Landen, is exploring possibilities for biological crop protection that minimally impact biodiversity and soil health. A group within the association aims to avoid using pesticides or insecticides, preferring biological crop protection methods that are as environmentally friendly as possible. Additionally, the use of traditional biological methods, such as copper and sulfur, is often avoided due to concerns over their impact on soil health and biodiversity in the vineyard. Alternative biological methods are being sought, including the use of Trichoderma spp., which has an antagonistic effect on harmful fungi. Members have previously experimented with the use of Trichoderma, but the results were difficult to compare due to varying methods and conditions across vineyards. Therefore, there is a need for a standardized method for the application of Trichoderma and for other alternative substances without active ingredients.

The main research question of this study is: Which biological substances without active ingredients can be used to combat downy mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis, how should they be applied, and what is their effectiveness against these diseases in the vineyard?