Acronym

V4-2204

Department:

Department of Agronomy

Type of project

ARIS projects

Type of project

CRP - Our food, countryside and natural resources

Role

Lead

Financing

Slovenian Research And Innovation Agency Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food

Duration

01.10.2022 - 30.09.2025

Total

1,92 FTE

Project manager at BF

Rusjan Denis

Abstract

In recent decades, viticulture or grape production has been experiencing increasing biotic pressures caused by cane yolks, wood diseases, bacterial diseases and, last but not least, viruses and viroids, which individually or collectively cause serious economic damage, especially (i) reduce yields, (ii) ) change the chemical and sensory quality of grapes and wine, (iii) cause developmental and morphological deformations of vine organs and more. In recent years, we have witnessed the massive, alarming occurrence of golden cane yellow in northeastern Slovenia and wood disease (ESCA) in all wine-growing countries of Slovenia and last but not least by scientific institutions (ULBF, KIS) confirmation of new viruses and viroids) in Slovenia. It is not possible to stop or control all listed diseases or pathogens with phytopharmaceutical (PPP) measures, so prevention (prophylaxis, prevention) and planting of uninfected vegetative propagating and planting material is of key and unique importance for sustainable grape production. At the level of reed production, new measures and techniques should be put into practice to reduce the incidence and spread of diseases (pathogens), while checking their partial and complex effectiveness against diseases and the impact on viability of vine propagating material and conservation potential and acceptability. measures in the context of reed production. Currently in Slovenia we are self-sufficient with vine grafts, but diseases such as golden cane yellow caused by quarantine phytoplasma GFD can change the situation quickly, especially by banning the movement of vine seedlings, cuttings or rootstocks due to non-compliance with special requirements for movements. in Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 set at EU level. It should be noted that thermotherapy (TT) or treatment with hot water in accordance with the EPPO standard PM 10/16 is often exposed and already well researched reed measure against some pathogens, such as. phytoplasma GFD and bacterium X. f., but its effectiveness depends on many factors, such as the "concentration" of the pathogen, variety and plant part (stem, sapling, eye, etc.), age and origin of vegetative material, especially related to growing conditions mother vines and more. In addition, improper treatment can affect the viability of the vine material. It has been shown that the duration and temperature of TT must be adapted to the pathogen and, last but not least, the variety and growing conditions of the parent vines, as vines in hotter growing conditions should be treated with higher TT temperature and for longer time as vegetative material from colder areas. The Ivanjkovci and Vrhpolje Breeding and Reed Breeding Centers already have suitable equipment for the implementation of TT, but only for smaller, experimental quantities of propagating material. For the proposed project, modern technologies for the treatment and prevention of vegetative propagating material of vine varieties grown in the Republic of Slovenia would be introduced and, above all, adapted. The research would first focus on the introduction and adaptation of thermotherapy of grafts and rootstocks and verification of the effectiveness of TT according to variety and pathogens (adjustment of duration and temperature), also in accordance with international standards such as EPPO standard PM 10/16. health status of vegetative material before and after TT by official diagnostic methods (phytoplasmas, fungi, viruses and viroids) of the vine. In the Republic of Slovenia we still do not have sufficient experience with the implementation of TT against various pathogens, including some controlled non-quarantine pests (jaundice, fungi, viruses, vine aphids) in various varieties and mixed infections, as well as regardless of vine treatment methods (micrografting and cryotherapy), in case of poorer TT efficacy. It would also be possible to check the possibility of buying or possibilities of home production of certain equipment.

 

Researchers

 

The phases of the project and their realization

1. Initial Phase – Collection and Preparation of Vegetative Material

Identification, selection, and collection of grapevine varieties and vegetative material (cuttings, rootstocks) for research.

* Acquisition of material from nurseries (Ivanjkovci, Vrhpolje).

* Recording the origin (variety, age, growth conditions of mother vines).

* Initial phytosanitary testing (phytoplasmas, viruses, fungi, viroids).

 

2. Introduction and Adaptation of Hot Water Treatment (HWT)

Adaptation of temperature regimes and HWT duration according to variety and pathogens, following EPPO PM 10/16 standards.

* Planning and implementation of HWT trials (cuttings, rootstocks).

* Comparison of different HWT protocols (duration, temperature).

* Assessment of the impact on the viability of vegetative material.

 

3. Verification of HWT Effectiveness

Comprehensive testing of HWT effectiveness depending on variety and pathogens.

* Laboratory testing before and after HWT (phytoplasmas – GFD, fungi – ESCA, viruses, viroids).

* Evaluation of HWT effectiveness in mixed infections.

* Recording of results and comparison with international standards.

 

4. Development and Adaptation of Technology

Preparation of proposals for improving HWT technology and testing alternative methods.

* Analysis of the possibilities for purchasing or locally manufacturing equipment (HWT tanks, mixers for larger volumes).

* Evaluation of the potential use of micrografting or cryotherapy in cases of low HWT effectiveness.

 

5. Assessment of the Impact on Nursery Practices and Sustainable Production

Integration of results into nursery practices and preparation of recommendations.

* Testing of HWT under real nursery conditions.

* Preparation of guidelines for nurseries and assessment of economic feasibility.

* Knowledge transfer to end-users (advisory services, growers).

 

6. Final Phase – Reporting and Dissemination

Preparation of the final report and dissemination of results.

* Scientific and professional publication of results (articles, manuals).

* Workshops and demonstrations in nursery centers.

* Inclusion of results into national protocols for grapevine nursery production. 

Project partners