Context and purpose. Viticulture has exerted a profound influence on the landscape and biodiversity of numerous countries for centuries.
Context and purpose. In Germany, vineyards are typically intensively managed monocultural systems shaped by low structural variability.
Grapevine downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is responsible for significant economic losses each year and for a large proportion of the fungicides used in viticulture.
The weather anomalies comparing the 1971-2000 time frame and the last years has showned a dramatic scenario when, in some months, average temperature in above 3ºC and the reduction in precipitation in more than 30%.
Viticulture on steep slopes has shaped exceptionally species-rich cultural landscapes in Germany.