An assessment of the non-target effects of copper on the leaf arthropod community in a vineyard

Abstract

Bordeaux mixture has been used for more than 150 years in viticulture and other agricultural applications because it is the most effective fungicide against grape downy mildew. However, the copper present in these mixtures is not degradable and can have environmental consequences. Even though the effect of Bordeaux mixture on downy mildew is well known, the non-target effects of this fungicide on leaf arthropod communities are poorly understood. In this study, we simultaneously monitored the direct effect of Bordeaux mixture on three grapevine leaf diseases and five leaf arthropods (beneficial and pest species) in the field over a four-month time period. We found a strong interaction between sampling year and treatment for all tested organisms. Overall, the presence of copper generally decreased both the occurrence of disease and densities of leaf arthropods. Thus, copper reduces some pest densities but also biological agent densities which might interfere with biological control. The effects and results presented here should prove valuable when implementing future crop management strategies and pest control procedures.