Chapter 8 - Novel technologies and Decision Support Systems to optimize pesticide use in vineyards

Abstract

The increased regulation of pesticides in Europe (Directive 128/2009/EC), the public concerns about the environmental impacts of viticulture, and the consumers demand of residue-free products has leaded to an increase, in the last years, of several environmentally safe crop control methods in European vineyards. The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive promotes the use of integrated pest management (IPM) and of alternative approaches and techniques such as nonchemical alternatives to pesticides. The application of a combination of different tactics, as recommended in IPM, is the foundation for a sustainable vineyard management. To implement such approach, viticulturists need to access to timely and robust information that can help them to support sound decisions regarding the need of applying control methods and minimize the risk of damages in grapes. This article summarizes some of the innovations applied in viticulture, including tactics and tools that promotes a more sustainable use of pesticides, with lower environmental impacts.