|
|
Researchers at the Politecnico in Turin have developed electronic sensors to help winegrowers detect fungal infestation in the vineyard at an early stage. The so-called "electronic leaf" simultaneously collects all the data for phytosanitary analysis: the amount of rain that has fallen, the temperature and the humidity. It is placed at the height of the grapes to exactly replicate the real conditions in the vineyard. This makes it possible to determine the wetting time on both the top and bottom of the leaf. The duration determines when the critical threshold is reached and plant protection must be carried out.
Together with the municipal administration of Grana Monferrato in the province of Asti, the scientist responsible, Daniele Trinchero, has now equipped the first ten vineyards with sensors. They transmit the data to a nationwide data collection service. The mayor of the municipality, Cristiano Gavazza, was convinced of the project from the beginning: "I immediately agreed because it makes targeted plant protection in the vineyards possible. This in turn leads to a saving of products for the winegrowers, but also to a lower use of plant protection products. And that brings health benefits for winegrowers and local residents.
(ru / source: Millevigne)