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In their research project "BIOBESTicide", French researchers have discovered a microorganism that has a preventive effect against the vine disease eutypiosis. This leads to the death of grapevines. The cellulose fungi (oomycetes), which are more closely related to algae than to fungi, were identified and isolated in the soil of vineyards in Bordeaux. They stimulate the vines' natural defences. As lead researcher Marie-Cécile Dufour from the French Research Institute of Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) explains, in greenhouse trials, oomycete applied to the soil reduced the size of necroses in the wood, which occur during the dying process, by 40-60 percent. With improved formulas, even 80 percent was achieved.
However, a quick approval of the active ingredient on the European level is not to be expected, as it would first have to prove its effectiveness in field trials.
(al / vitisphere; Photo: INRA Science & Impact)
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