Following from the last post, the last five years of moving the vineyard to biodynamic have coincided with reversing the negative trend that was killing vines. Not directly linked to biodynamic practices, more to do with boosting the vines´ immune system.
Quite a few old vines have died from Phylloxera over the last few years. Already a problem when we took over the vineyard: only around 400 out of 800 vines were left and they were struggling. Over the last few years a further 12.5% was lost (~50 vines).
Vitis Labrusca produces naturally a chemical mixture that repels Phylloxera by clogging its mouth. In the picture you can see the effect on a phylloxera effected Vitis Vinifera vine with an enhanced immune system. Phylloxera feeds on the vine burning some leaves and grapes and then disappears. Apart from a few "burnt" shoots, the vine is now healthy. We remove the "burnt" shoots and the plant is perfectly healthy...
This year we have planted 50 ungrafted shoots as there is no longer a need for grafting. So far, most of the new plants have taken well and they look good and healthy. The biggest pleasure however is to see some plants that were almost dead sprouting healthily again (see next pictures).
Being an optimist i often wonder if it would have a similar effect with Xyllela Fastidiosa. Let´s hope so. For now, Phylloxera has left the vineyard.
Quite a few old vines have died from Phylloxera over the last few years. Already a problem when we took over the vineyard: only around 400 out of 800 vines were left and they were struggling. Over the last few years a further 12.5% was lost (~50 vines).
Vitis Labrusca produces naturally a chemical mixture that repels Phylloxera by clogging its mouth. In the picture you can see the effect on a phylloxera effected Vitis Vinifera vine with an enhanced immune system. Phylloxera feeds on the vine burning some leaves and grapes and then disappears. Apart from a few "burnt" shoots, the vine is now healthy. We remove the "burnt" shoots and the plant is perfectly healthy...
This year we have planted 50 ungrafted shoots as there is no longer a need for grafting. So far, most of the new plants have taken well and they look good and healthy. The biggest pleasure however is to see some plants that were almost dead sprouting healthily again (see next pictures).
Being an optimist i often wonder if it would have a similar effect with Xyllela Fastidiosa. Let´s hope so. For now, Phylloxera has left the vineyard.
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