🌿 Fungicide

A fungicide is a remedy against fungal diseases of plants. The grapevine is prone to many such diseases: powdery mildew, downy mildew, grey rot and others. So growers often use fungicides. There are substances of different origin. The oldest are sulphur and a copper preparation known as Bordeaux mixture. There are also modern synthetic products. Some work on the leaf surface, others enter the plant. They are usually sprayed several times a season, especially in wet weather. Fungicides treat vine diseases, but overuse harms the soil and environment, and residues on berries can affect fermentation. So rules limit timing and doses, and in organic viticulture only a few are allowed. One way to cut their use is resistant PIWI varieties. They get sick less, so they need less protection. These varieties are bred by crossing and selection.