Production, optimization and sustainable development of the vine cultivation through fungal diseases prediction

The objective of the project VITICAST is the optimization of the production and the sustainable development of the vine cultivation in the most important bioclimatic regions in the Spanish northwest (Appellations of Origin: Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Valdeorras and Ribera del Duero) through the innovation in the management of fungal diseases of higher incidence (downy mildew, powdery mildew and botrytis).

The project develops a tool for the forecasting of possible infections which combines: meteorological data, prediction of the phenological stages of the vine and concentration of spores and inoculum necessary for the infection to occur. This tool will allow estimating the crop production in advance, as well as reducing antifungal treatments applied in the vineyard. Therefore, it will facilitate the work of cooperatives and wine cellars, contributing to the production of a higher quality wine and a more sustainable production by minimizing the impacts on the environment related to the application of phytosanitary products.

VITICAST is an Operational Group comprised by the following partners: Monet Tecnología e Innovación S.L., the Galician University-Enterprise Foundation (FEUGA), Viña Costeira S.C.G., Bodega Hacienda Monasterio S.L., Bodega Matarromera S.L., Estación Fitopatolóxica Areeiro (Diputación de Pontevedra), the University of Vigo (Plant, soil and subproducts utilization research group).

VITICAST receives a total grant of 599,957.11 eur, 80% co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union and 20% by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

For further informacion:
llloret@feuga.es
www.viticast.es

Article based on the poster presented at the 1st Spanish edition of Enforum Web (5-7 May 2020)