Green Larixyne

Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is a devastating fungal disease of grapevine in all grape growing areas of the world. Crop losses in individual years can be 100% if the disease is not controlled. The wet 2021 season resulted in significant crop losses in England due to this pathogen. There are no suitable sources of resistance in commercially acceptable varieties, so fungicides are the primary method of control. We aim to produce an organic pesticide to treat downy mildew for use in organic, biodynamic and standard viticulture. At present copper preparations are used, even in organic farming, despite environmental concerns. The European Community regards the reduction in copper use a high agricultural priority, but there have been no suitable alternatives.

With the burgeoning wine growing industry in the UK (fastest growing agricultural sector; 150 % increase in acreage since 2010; production growing from 4.1 million bottles in 2016 to 13.1 million in 2018), an opportunity arises for growth in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing harmful copper and other synthetic pesticides in this industry. At present over 2 kg/ha of copper based products (in addition to synthetic pesticides) are used in normal grape farming and over 4kg/ha of copper products are used in biodynamic and organic farming.

Through the EC funded ForestSpecs project, we discovered that diterpenoids from European Larch bark are highly effective against downy mildew on grapevines. In addition, in field trials of our patented product, we have demonstrated that our product also reduces the incidence of a second pathogen, powdery mildew. The active compounds can be extracted from larch bark or larch turpentine, and we have undertaken successful field trials in Switzerland and southern Europe. Our product will provide an effective treatment against this pathogen and reduce the use of copper based products.

We plan to use UK larch bark to produce this organic agrochemical, for use on English vineyards and export. This project will provide a higher value outlet for larch bark for the UK timber industry.

The product has a growing potential market in England and in countries where grapes are grown. In the UK the viticulture industry produces wine, employment and, increasingly, tourism opportunities.