Development and evaluation of a warning model for the optimal use of copper in organic viticulture.
Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is one of the most serious diseases affecting grapevine worldwide, and can significantly affect crop quality and quantity. In organic viticulture, downy mildew control is mainly based on copper compounds, which are toxic to organisms in the soil. For this reason, restrictions concerning the maximum amount of copper that organic growers can apply per hectare have been enacted in several countries. We have developed a warning model and a decision-making procedure to help organic grapevine growers optimize their use of copper against downy mildew. This system is based on treating vines with a variable rate of copper when there is an immediate risk of infection and the vegetation is not sufficiently protected by previous treatments. In 2007, the warning model and the decision-making procedure were tested in two vineyards in northern Italy and compared with the local common practice and an untreated control. The treatment timings and copper application rates recommended by the system resulted in control of downy mildew equivalent to that associated with the common practice, but with a considerable reduction in the total amount of copper applied.
Natural alternatives to copper and low-rate copper formulations to control grape downy mildew in organic farming.
Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Berl. & De Toni, is one of the world’s most destructive grapevine diseases (2, 24, 12, 27, 23). In organic farming, the control of P. viticola is based on the use of copper, together with all preventive management measures necessary to minimize the development of disease. Copper is still a very important tool to manage the diseases in conventional agriculture and is actually indispensable in organic farming (24, 21). With Commission Directive 2009/37/EC, copper compounds have been included in Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC (concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market). “Therefore, it is necessary that Hellenic Plant Protection Journal 5: 13-21, 2012
Mite population density analysis of stored dried apricots in Turkey
The aim of this study was to determine the population density of mite species attacking stored dried apricots in Malatya, Elazig and Izmir regions of Turkey. Storage construction types and duration of storage were also considered. The samples were collected during 2000–2003 in the most important apricot producing areas (Malatya and Elazig) and the exporting center (Izmir). Frequency of occurrence and rates of intensity of infestations were determined (16.50% from Malatya, 3.19% from Elazig and 80.49% from Izmir). A total of 16 mite species belonging to 13 genera and 11 families were identified during the surveys. The pest species Carpoglyphus lactis (L.) (Astigmata: Carpoglyphidae) was the most abundant species recorded (69.14% of samples). The highest infestation value recorded was 15,534 mites per kg.