Winegrowers embrace warning system against downy mildew

Organic winegrowers often find it difficult to protect their grapes against downy mildew. The products they are permitted to use do reduce infestation and restricts spreading of the fungus but true suppression is not really achieved. And it often comes as a surprise when downy mildew is exactly hitting.

Predicting when the fungus hits

Scientists of PPO have therefore - together with Bio Fruit Advies - developed and tested a warning system for downy mildew. Based on data about weather and other conditions the system shows how the fungus develops and whether there is a risk of the disease hitting the grapes.

Together with organic winegrowers the scientists have tested this prototype. In these tests they used various vineyards and grape varieties with a certain resistance against downy mildew.

Advisor interprets the measurements

The prototype of the warning system works but interpretation of the data is still difficult. An expert is needed to translate the measurements of the system into a practical advice. The winegrowers do not consider this as a problem. They see so many advantages in the system that they have jointly purchased a weather station that provides the input for the warning system. And they hire an advisor for interpretation of the measurements.

The system does, however, not yet always work properly. The scientists discovered situations under which the model did not function correctly. Some further research is required to develop a ‘robust’ system that predicts - under all circumstances - whether the fungus may hit.