Emergency in France: Fungal disease threatens vines in Bordeaux

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Downy mildew is a stubborn fungal disease that prefers warm, humid weather. Apart from that, nasty fungi mainly eat the green parts of plants such as leaves. After an infestation, they turn yellow and die. This disrupts the photosynthesis of the vine and ultimately leads to a reduction in grape harvest.

The warm, humid weather in many parts of Europe currently offers almost perfect conditions for downy mildew to spread. Bordeaux’s viticulture region has been particularly hard hit. Up to 90 percent of all Bordeaux vineyards are currently threatened by downy mildew, according to the Chambre d’agriculture de la Gironde.

Hotline for affected vineyards

A hotline has recently been set up by the local agricultural association to help affected vineyard growers fight the fungal disease. Sprays based on copper salts are often used against fungi. Problem: The next rain washes the agent again, which means it needs to be sprayed again.

However, copper accumulation that occurs in the soil is not without controversy. In some countries, such as Sweden, copper is not registered as a pesticide, so almost exclusively fungal-resistant grape varieties are planted in Sweden. However, as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines have shaped historically, such varieties are hardly considered for Bordeaux.

The current mold crisis could have serious consequences for the 2023 crop. According to the Chambre d’agriculture de la Gironde, some growers are already reporting complete yield losses. The great hope is that the heavy rains will decrease and the associated moisture in the vineyard will decrease as soon as possible.

Source : Blick