Activity of Mimosa tenuiflora extract for the control of Plasmopara viticola

Abstract

European Union established a legal framework for achieving a sustainable use of pesticides (Directive 2009/128/EC). In line with the scope of this Directive research activities were carried out in order to use non chemical alternatives with less impact on the environment and human health than synthetic pesticides. In this study the effect of Mimosa tenuifloraextract was evaluated against Plasmopara viticola, the causal agent of grapevine downy mildew. The activity was determined both in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro tests entailed assessing the development of P. viticola on leaf disks of grapevine and calculating sporangial germination in the presence of tested product at various concentrations. In vivoexperiments the effect of M. tenuiflora on downy mildew development was tested in greenhouse and open field in an organic vineyard. Results showed the inhibition of P. viticoladevelopment on leaf-disks bioassay and the reduction of P. viticola germinated sporangia. The greenhouse and field data demonstrated that M. tenuiflora was able to reduce the level of disease although it was not as effective as the reference product. In conclusion this study suggests the capability of M. tenuiflora extract to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture.