Session I
Advances in Viticulture
The latest developments and innovations in organic viticulture focus on sustainability, digitalization, and increasing resistance to pathogens in response to the challenges of climate change. Key innovations and trends:
Precision Farming and Robotics
Modern technologies such as robotic drones for monitoring, drone platforms and systems, robotic fungal spore traps, GPS/RTK precision, multispectral and thermal sensors, AI and machine learning, targeted applications, smartphone apps for adjusting machinery settings, semi-autonomous devices to enable targeted and efficient intervention, reducing the use of chemicals and the need for manual labour.
The impact of climate change on viticulture
Changing viticultural areas, emerging problems of increasing temperature, drought, water scarcity, soil degradation, invasive species, new pests and disease vectors, fast expanding cool climate viticulture and new, resilient grape varieties. Climate-Adaptive Variety Structure: Research is focused on breeding new grape varieties that are resistant to the most common fungal diseases and can better withstand extreme weather conditions caused by climate change, such as longer periods of drought.
New opportunities for table grape production
Breeding of new, resistant varieties and innovative cultivation technologies that respond to consumer demands (e.g., seedless varieties) and the challenges of climate change (e.g., drought tolerance). Due to growing consumer demand, seedless table grape varieties are coming to the fore, and their cultivation can be observed worldwide. Breeders are striving to make high-quality varieties more resistant to disease and extreme weather conditions. The extended warm autumn months allow late-ripening varieties to fully ripen, which extends the season and increases supply.
Promoting Biodiversity
There is an increasing emphasis on restoring the ecosystem of vineyards and increasing biodiversity. Promoting biodiversity in organic vineyards involves a holistic, integrated approach that focuses on creating varied habitats and minimizing disruption to natural processes. Key strategies include managing ground cover, planting diverse flora and trees, and integrating animal husbandry.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
In addition to copper-based products permitted in organic farming, research is focusing on integrated pest management (IPM) and the use of natural preparations, such as plant extracts, to control diseases and pests.
Soil and Leaf Analysis
Soil and leaf analysis methods, which form the basis for site-specific advice and nutrient replenishment, are constantly evolving, enabling more precise management tailored to the needs of the plants.
Soil conservation
Vineyard soil conservation and climate change resilience in viticulture can be realised through a systems-based approach focused on enhancing soil organic matter, improving soil structure and water management, and boosting biodiversity. The key issues include composting, pruning residue management, cover cropping, mulching, reduced/no tillage, efficient irrigation, enhancing functional biodiversity, beneficial microbes and symbionts, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), carbon sequestration, soil monitoring (e.g., physical properties such as texture and structure, organic matter, pH, nutrients, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), water status, soil temperature, etc.). Soil microbiological monitoring is the process of using the size, activity, diversity, and composition of microbial communities as indicators of overall soil health, quality, and fertility.
Traceability
Technological solutions, such as traceability systems, have been introduced to increase consumer confidence in organic products by ensuring transparency throughout the production chain.