Microbial biocontrol against botrytis control
The effectiveness, measured
Time horizon: 1 season
Why it works
Agents like Aureobasidium occupy the cluster niche ahead of botrytis, one of the most effective organic preventive defences.
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
- 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.
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.
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.
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.