Strategies for reducing the use of Pesticedes: Consistent and risk-oriented use of digital tools to produce healthy grapes (GRIPS)

The application of agricultural pesticides is increasingly criticized. Consequently, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture has targeted a reduction in the use of plant protection products by 50% by 2030. Furthermore, in Bavaria, this goal is brought forward to 2028, including viticulture and its high average usage of pesticides. Therefore, the question is how these reduction goals can be realized by applying specific plant protection strategies. The need for pesticides depends on parameters such as microclimate and weather conditions. Due to the changing weather conditions each year, the demand for pesticides varies annually, which affects fluctuating usage. The project aims to develop plant protection strategies that achieve fewer pesticide usage by improving application timing and partially reducing synthetic pesticides without compromising grap quality and yield. Experimental trials of different plant protection strategies in test vineyards will demonstrate the potential of pesticide reduction. Because of the changing demand year by year, the strategies will be tested over several years to ensure the robustness of the results. Since cost pressure increased in viticulture, this project will consider the economic aspects of the strategies to achieve a holistic cost-benefit analysis of the several strategies. The enological effects of the strategies on must and wine will also be investigated. Based on the sum of all results, a recommended course of action will be proposed for practical implementation in viticulture farms.