GRAPEVINE: Anticipating downy mildew infections through early detection of oospore germination
Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is one of the major threats to grapevine health and vineyard productivity. The timing of the first infections is particularly critical, as early disease development can have a significant impact on the success of subsequent crop protection strategies.
OUR MONITORING SERVICE
Our Plant Care Laboratory offers a dedicated monitoring service to detect the earliest signs of downy mildew primary inoculum emergence in vineyards, helping growers anticipate the first infection risks and optimise the timing of their initial treatments.
FROM OOSPORES TO EARLY WARNING
Our monitoring protocol begins in autumn (Year N-1), when we collect grapevine leaf litter displaying characteristic mosaic symptoms of downy mildew.
Through microscopic examination, we isolate oospores and place them in dedicated sachets, which are then buried at the base of grapevines. These sachets remain in the vineyard throughout winter, from December to March, reproducing natural overwintering conditions.
As environmental conditions become favourable, typically between early March and late April (Year N), we retrieve sachets weekly and examine their contents under a microscope to detect the emergence of the first macroconidia.
TURNING OBSERVATIONS INTO ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
By identifying the onset of primary inoculum emergence, we provide our clients with timely information to support their decision-making.
Combined with:
• Weather conditions and infection risk.
• Grapevine phenological stage and physiological development.
These observations help growers determine when conditions are suitable for initiating their first fungicide applications, with the aim of improving treatment timing and maximising protection against early infections.
SUPPORTING PRECISE AND RESPONSIBLE CROP PROTECTION
By combining pathogen monitoring, weather data and vine development, our service contributes to more targeted disease management strategies, helping growers make informed decisions and optimise their crop protection programmes.
Interested in our downy mildew monitoring service? Let’s discuss how our expertise can support your vineyard protection strategy!
Rémi Champion | Anthony Bellée | Anne Lebaudy | David Lemoine | Marie Grasset | Carole Briand | Magali LEVASSEUR-BOUCHEREAU
Contact us at: contact@staphyt.com
