Italian Zeolitites in the Control of Grey Mould and Sour Rot and Their Effect on Leaf Reflectance, Grape and Wine

Abstract

The activity of two zeolitites, differing in the presence of copper and their particle size, was assessed in a Trebbiano d’Abruzzo white berry cultivar, towards grapevine grey mould and sour rot, a serious problem in almost all grapevine-growing areas. In 2018 and 2019, zeolitites were applied before forecast of rainfalls, which likely induce infection. In 2019, further applications were carried out 10 or 2 days before harvest, regardless of the rainfall, in order to verify the effect of the zeolitite residue on leaf reflectance and composition of grapes and wines. Both zeolitites significantly reduced the infections. Only the vines treated 2 days before harvest, especially with copper zeolitite, showed a decrease in leaf reflectance. However, no differences in the yield composition related to the time of zeolitite application, as well as a decrease of yield quality, were ever recorded. Furthermore, analysis of samples collected from vines treated with zeolitites showed increases in grape soluble solids and in wine alcohol content. Our results suggest the use of zeolitites against grapevine rots as a possible effective alternative to the application of synthetic fungicides in the development of environmentally friendly control strategies.

Effects of Siliceous Natural Nanomaterials Applied in Combination with Foliar Fertilizers on Physiology, Yield and Fruit Quality of the Apricot and Peach Trees

“…However, according to our knowledge, investigations of the morphology and ultrastructure of these SNNMs or determination of the characteristics related to their agricultural applications, such as BET active surface or cation exchange capacity, were not yet conducted. Our findings demonstrate that the chosen SNNMs from Romanian quarries have features similar to those of other natural materials used for plant treatment, natural zeolites [54] or diatomaceous earth [55]. The nanoporous structure of these natural materials, with active surface binding hydrophilic molecules and cations, make them suitable as carriers for agrochemicals [56].…”

“…Despite this well-known ability to act as a slow-releasing carrier for mineral nutrients in the soil, the natural zeolites and diatomaceous earth were not yet used as a carrier for foliar fertilizer. A formulation was developed based on zeolites and copper, which was used to control grape downy mildew [68] and grapevine gray mold and sour rot [54] and not for the nutrition of the cultivated plants.…”

Effects of natural clinoptilolite on physiology, water stress, sugar, and anthocyanin content in Sanforte (Vitis viniferaL.) young vineyard

“…Vines subjected to zeolite foliar applications (chabasite rich-zeolitite) in addition to significantly reducing grey mould and sour rot infections, increased sugar and alcohol content. In addition, these effects have been linked to the reduction of the leaf temperature, in this case, due to zeolite ability to reflect infrared radiation (Calzarano et al ., 2020). However, it cannot be excluded the zeolite capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, determining its increase near the stomata and net photosynthesis increase (De Smedt et al ., 2017).…”

“…Zeolites can also absorb up to 55% water, later this water is used by the plants for their metabolic activities (Pisarovic et al, 2003). In grapevine, foliar applications of chabasite-rich zeolitites were able to control simultaneously grey mould, sour rot and grapevine moth and improve the composition of grapes and wines (Calzarano et al, 2019(Calzarano et al, , 2020.…”

Control of Grapevine Downy Mildew by an Italian Copper Chabasite-Rich Zeolitite

“…Recently, in vineyards of the Abruzzo region, central Italy, chabasite-rich zeolitites, both pure and with copper additions, were effectively applied for the concomitant control of grey mold, sour rot and grapevine moth [16,17].…”