Microbial biocontrol
Authorised microbes that outcompete pathogens.
Microbial biocontrol uses authorised living microbes — Bacillus subtilis/amyloliquefaciens, Trichoderma, Aureobasidium pullulans — that compete with, parasitise or induce defences against vine pathogens.
It is mostly preventive and works best inside a programme, not as a “silver bullet”. Aureobasidium is particularly useful against botrytis by niche occupation on the cluster; others reinforce protection against powdery and downy mildew and help cut copper and sulfur.
Effort
Medium — application and product-viability management.
Cost
Medium to high per biological product.
Time to result
Preventive; best effect integrated across the season.
What it works against
Effectiveness by problem — click through for detail and metrics.
Agents like Aureobasidium occupy the cluster niche ahead of botrytis, one of the most effective organic preventive defences.
Some microbes (e.g. Bacillus, Ampelomyces) reinforce powdery-mildew protection, allowing sulfur to be cut.
Products like Bacillus thuringiensis control grapevine-moth larvae selectively, sparing beneficials.
Certain microbial agents reinforce downy-mildew defence within a programme, easing the pressure on copper.
How it works
The microbes colonise the plant surface ahead of the pathogen, competing for space and nutrients and, in some cases, producing antagonistic compounds.
How to apply
- 1Choose the agent suited to the target (e.g. Aureobasidium for botrytis).
- 2Apply preventively, respecting viability conditions.
- 3Integrate into a programme with copper, sulfur and prevention.
- 4Log as an authorised input in the notebook.
What to measure
Frequently asked
Does biocontrol replace copper and sulfur?
Rarely in full. It is most effective as part of an integrated programme, reducing dependence but not eliminating contact means in high-pressure years.
Are the products sensitive to conditions?
Yes — being living organisms, temperature, UV radiation and tank-mix compatibility affect viability. Following the guidance is essential.
Related reading
Related means
How GrapeFlow helps
Apply and document this means by plot, with an audit-ready history for certification.
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.
Electronic field notebook
All operations — weeding, green manure, biocontrol — logged by plot and date, ready for organic certification.
Downy & powdery mildew risk models
Per-plot disease risk from local weather, to treat at the right moment and spend less copper and sulfur.