Action plan against declining vineyards: An innovative approach

Abstract

Abstract. Declining vineyards are assessed by a multi-year decrease in vine productivity and/or its sudden premature or gradual death, based on multiple factors. Since 2015, the French wine sector has been working on an original study to identify new research avenues while launching an innovative action plan to combat vineyard decline. First, a statistical analysis enabled to estimate research efforts in the different countries. 70 factors susceptible to contribute to vineyard decline were then identified by analyzing more than 500 publications. These factors are biological, physical or linked to growing practices. While the role of pathogens is fairly well-known, the impact of the land plot or the soil on decline is less understood. Secondly, a prospective methodology was used to better identify viticulture system factors and levers affecting vines. It was thus demonstrated that yield and longevity are strongly linked to agronomy, economic variables and plant matter, plant physiology, disease, etc... These are the key issues and leverage actions to combat more strongly vineyard decline. The matrix analysis was then complemented by interviews and statistical data to imagine leverage actions. The strategic action plan is focused on four objectives: promoting training of good practices, improving plant production organization, developing vineyard observation networks, implementing an innovative research plan.

Soil composition and rootstock genotype drive the root associated microbial communities in young grapevines

“…Vineyard decline is described as an early decrease in vine productivity and sometimes as the premature, brutal or progressive death of the plant ( Riou et al, 2016 ). This observation is often associated with individual or combined stresses, including biotic and abiotic factors.…”

Grapevine decline is associated with difference in soil microbial composition and activity

“…Vineyard decline, defined as a vine multiannual yield diminution or its premature, brutal or progressive death, is afflicting viticulture worldwide (Riou et al, 2016). It is a high concern in French viticulture with more than 4.6 hl/ha yield loss estimated in 2014, encompassing around 10 % of grapevine plantation at the national scale (BIPE, 2015).…”

Grapevine rootstock and soil microbiome interactions: Keys for a resilient viticulture

“…Grapevine dieback afflict viticulture worldwide and can be defined as a pluriannual decrease in vine productivity linked to its sudden premature or gradual death due to environmental causes and/or agronomic practices [ 72 ]. Despite evidence of negative impact on microbial communities in young replanted vines due to long-term monoculture and intense replanting management, replacing the dead vines with young vines remains sometimes the only solution to palliate this problematic dieback [ 73 , 74 ]. Grapevines are a perennial plant which require significant time-consuming cultivation; at least three years are needed for the new plant to harbor productive grapes [ 75 ].…”