We are a trans-European partnership of 6 SMEs from 5 EU member states planning to develop a novel bio-fungicide to treat common grapevine fungal diseases. Across Europe, the fungal diseases downy mildew and botrytis cause problems in all vineyards, reduce yield and impair wine quality. Current methods of treating these diseases in traditional farming and particularly organic farming require the use of copper fungicides. However, their use is now limited in Europe by Council regulation (EEC) No 2092/91. This limits the efficacy of fungicides, decreases yields and increases wine production costs. Our innovative microalgae plant protection product enriched with micronutrients will enable the replacement of copper fungicides in organic and conventional viticulture, increase yield in organic vineyards and decrease production costs per unit. This will increase the competitiveness of EU wines and support the development of the organic market in Europe.

The research leading to results in this project receives funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n°315546