Design and evaluation of microencapsulation technology to reduce the environmental impact of copper fungicides in vineyards

Grapevine is a relevant crop in the European area, that has been traditionally linked to the use of copper fun-gicides for downy mildew control (Plasmopara viticola). The continued use among the years of this type of copper fungicides has caused an environmental impact, mainly accumulating copper ions in the soil and also resulting in surface and groundwater pollution. To reduce the amount of copper used in vineyard crop protection strategies, and for instance, the contamination, a microencapsulated copper product has been developed. Deposition trials in artificial vegetation were assessed in order to define the optimal formulation characteristics linked with leaf deposit. Also, field trials in real conditions were performed to compare the newly developed copper product with a conventional one. These studies were completed with an evaluation of the microencapsulated product behaviour into two different soil types and its leaching that can consequently be potential groundwater contamination. Microencapsulated formulation resulted in higher deposition compared to the reference product. The obtained results are a relevant drawing up on a way to reduce the amount of copper used, due to the microencapsulated product having the potential to reduce the amount of copper used in vineyard crop protection and the environmental impact they cause.