Bicarbonate & plant extracts against botrytis control
The effectiveness, measured
Time horizon: 1 season
Why it works
Certain extracts and salts reinforce botrytis prevention by making conditions less favourable to cluster infection.
What to measure for this pairing
Why this problem matters
Botrytis (Botrytis cinerea) sets up in compact clusters, wounds and humid microclimate, especially near harvest. Organic has no systemic curatives: defence is essentially preventive.
The priority is to lower the risk — open the cluster zone, avoid excess vigour and protect skin integrity — and reinforce with biocontrol agents. Deciding on cluster compactness and weather avoids pointless treatments.
Problem indicators
Certification & rules: Critical for grape health and avoiding off-flavours in the wine.
How to apply the means
- 1Fit them into the programme as reinforcement and rotation.
- 2Apply preventively, with good coverage.
- 3Reapply frequently (short persistence).
- 4Log them as part of the phytosanitary programme.
Frequently asked
Does bicarbonate replace sulfur?
Not entirely — it is mostly a complement and alternative in specific windows, helping to reduce and rotate with sulfur.
Are all extracts allowed in organic?
No. Only those on the authorised-input lists — which is why logging by active substance is essential.
Same means, other problems
Same problem, other means — Botrytis
How GrapeFlow helps
The proof organic certification demands — logged by plot and date.
Phytosanitary register with authorised inputs
Every treatment logged with product, rate and active substance, flagging what is allowed under organic rules — an audit-ready history.
Downy & powdery mildew risk models
Per-plot disease risk from local weather, to treat at the right moment and spend less copper and sulfur.
Electronic field notebook
All operations — weeding, green manure, biocontrol — logged by plot and date, ready for organic certification.