Page 61 - Grapevine JanFeb 2022
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Around The Vineyard
describe environmental protection. “Biodynamics,” dew are some of the most economically concerning
as it relates to vineyards, involves using natural pathogens to treat in grapes because they affect
means and taking cues from nature for growing quality and visual appeal. BioSafe Systems’ two
practices, such as star constellations and phases of most effective organic fungicides are OxiDate5.0
the moon. “Biodynamic viticulture” typically means and PerCarb to kill and suppress a broad spectrum
only using organic fertilizers and applying the prin- of fungal and bacterial pathogens, even ones that
ciples of Austrian anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner may have developed resistance to other fungicides.
to view all aspects of the vineyard as whole entity
with a holistic approach. The purpose “organic viti- “OxiDate5.0 is a liquid that utilizes peroxyacetic
culture” is to eliminate manmade chemicals and acid and hydrogen to oxidize the outer cell mem-
additives from the winemaking process. However, brane of vegetative bacterial and fungal cells, endo-
the legal definition of what qualifies as “organic spores, making it an effective all microorganisms,”
wine” varies from one country to another. Vadon said. “PerCarb is a water-soluble granular
that when put into solution releases 27 percent
Ultimately, there are various types of products, hydrogen peroxide by weight to oxidize organ-
treatments and strategies that fall under the isms like OxiDate 5.0 but is much more alkaline
umbrella of biologicals and organics for winemak- and leaves a five-to-seven-day residual to inhibit
ing. growth. Both OxiDate 5.0 and PerCarb leave no
lasting effects on the environment and allow work-
For example, BioSafe Systems provides sustain- ers to return to the vineyard after sprays have
able products that improve quality and are safe dried, increasing productivity.”
on the environment. Taylor Vadon, technical sales
representative for BioSafe, told The Grapevine Meanwhile, Acadian Plant Health is a division of
Magazine that botrytis, powdery and downy mil- Acadian Seaplants Limited and world leader in bio-
How and Why to Use Biologicals
and Organics in the Vineyard
By: Alyssa L. Ochs
877-892-5332 The Grapevine • January - February 2022 Page 59
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