Copper against downy mildew control
The effectiveness, measured
Time horizon: Immediate
Why it works
It is the reference means against downy mildew in organic: it protects leaf and cluster by contact against spore germination.
What to measure for this pairing
Why this problem matters
Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is the disease that pins the organic grower hardest. Without systemic synthetic fungicides, defence rests on copper and contact products, which only protect what they cover — forcing you to treat ahead of infection and renew after rain.
Management lives on a tension: protect the vineyard without exceeding the EU copper cap (28 kg/ha over 7 years). That means treating at the right moment, at the minimum effective rate, backed by risk models and rigorous logging of every application.
Problem indicators
Certification & rules: Central to organic status and the EU copper cap — audited at certification.
How to apply the means
- 1Treat preventively ahead of forecast infection periods.
- 2Use the minimum effective rate and good spray technology.
- 3Renew after significant rain or strong growth.
- 4Log each application and track the 7-year mean.
Frequently asked
What is the copper limit under organic rules?
In the EU, 28 kg of metallic copper per hectare over 7 years (a 4 kg/ha/yr average). Every application must be summed within that rolling window.
How do I cut copper without losing the crop?
By treating on risk models instead of a calendar, at the minimum effective rate, with good coverage and more efficient formulations — and logging everything to optimise season over season.
Same means, other problems
Same problem, other means — Downy mildew
How GrapeFlow helps
The proof organic certification demands — logged by plot and date.
Copper balance (7-year mean)
Every copper application summed automatically on the 7-year rolling mean, per plot — direct control of the EU 28 kg/ha cap that certification audits.
Downy & powdery mildew risk models
Per-plot disease risk from local weather, to treat at the right moment and spend less copper and sulfur.
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.