Reducing fungicide inputs in European viticulture: regulatory challenges and biocontrol solutions
The protection of vineyards against downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) has historically relied in Europe on a limited number of antifungal inputs, predominantly of chemical origin, making fungicide reduction in viticulture a major agronomic challenge.
However, the 2021–2028 period represents a major turning point for European viticulture as a whole, with the expiry, non-renewal or progressive withdrawal of numerous key active substances.
In this context of increasing regulatory pressure at European level, the reduction of plant protection products is no longer solely an environmental objective. It has become a technical, regulatory and economic challenge, forcing the wine sector to fundamentally rethink its strategies for the control of fungal diseases.
An increasingly restrictive European regulatory framework for fungicides
At European Union level, the placing on the market and use of plant protection products are governed by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, which requires the periodic re-evaluation of active substances based on strengthened health and environmental criteria.
Between 2021 and 2028, several major fungicides used for the control of downy mildew and powdery mildew in viticulture have reached the end of their approval period or have already been withdrawn at EU level, with direct consequences for the main wine-growing regions.
Among the most significant regulatory developments:
- Complete withdrawal of mancozeb throughout the EU since 2021 (classified as reprotoxic),
- Non-renewal of dimethomorph, with grace periods ending in 2025 depending on Member State,
- EU-level withdrawal of meptyldinocap decided in 2024,
- Strong regulatory uncertainty surrounding several triazoles, SDHIs and QoIs whose approval expiry dates fall between 2026 and 2028 (tebuconazole, difenoconazole, boscalid, fluopyram, pyraclostrobin, proquinazid).
These successive withdrawals significantly reduce the antifungal toolbox available across Europe, complicate resistance management strategies and increase pressure on existing crop protection programmes.
Sources:
European Commission – EU Pesticides Database (2022–2025)
EFSA – Peer review of pesticide active substances (2021–2024)
Copper: a historical solution under strong constraints in Europe
In European organic viticulture, downy mildew control still largely relies on copper-based compounds, while sulphur remains a reference solution for powdery mildew. However, copper itself is subject to increasing regulatory constraints at EU level.
Renewed until 30 June 2029, copper is classified as a candidate for substitution due to its persistence in soils and its ecotoxicological impacts. Its use is limited to 4 kg of copper metal per hectare per year, calculated as a rolling average over seven years.
This ceiling, common to all Member States, creates well-identified agronomic limitations. In regions with high downy mildew pressure (Atlantic Europe, northern Italy, and certain areas of Spain and Germany), dose reductions may compromise the efficacy of crop protection, particularly during highly rainy seasons.
Sources:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1981
EFSA – Conclusion on the peer review of copper compounds (2022)
A paradigm shift in vineyard protection across Europe
The convergence of active substance withdrawals, regulatory uncertainty and the agronomic limitations of copper is driving a paradigm shift at European scale.
The challenge is no longer to simply replace one molecule with another, but to reshaperop protection strategies as a whole, combining agronomic efficacy, regulatory compliance and economic viability.
This evolution requires, at European level:
- diversification of protection levers,
- optimisation of preventive strategies,
- and the increasing integration of biocontrol solutions and plant defence stimulators.
This approach fully aligns with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, which aim to reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030.
Source:
European Commission – Farm to Fork Strategy (2020–2023 update)
Fytosave®: a biocontrol solution at the heart of European strategies
In this transition context, Fytosave® (active substance: COS-OGA) has emerged as a strategic biocontrol solution for vineyard protection programmes across Europe, supporting fungicide reduction strategies in viticulture.
Particularly effective against powdery mildew, Fytosave® also acts as a baseline protective shield against downy mildew, securing crop protection programmes where the reduction of chemical inputs weakens conventional strategies.
Its active substance, COS-OGA, is a naturally derived elicitor recognised for its ability to trigger plant defence mechanisms. Composed of chitosan and pectin fragments, COS-OGA stimulates the vine’s natural defence responses without direct fungicidal activity and without resistance risk.
This approach strengthens:
- the vine’s natural tolerance to powdery mildew and downy mildew,
- the robustness of crop protection programmes in a context of structural reduction in authorised chemical active substances.
Key regulatory aspect at European level
Fytosave® is recognised as a biocontrol solution in most of EU Member States for the management of powdery mildew and downy mildew in vineyards. Its integration helps to reduce regulatory pressure linked to pesticide use indicators although calculation methods remain country-specific.
Compatibility with European production standards
Thanks to its residue-free profile and indirect mode of action, Fytosave® integrates easily:
- in organic viticulture (Ecocert and FiBLlisted),
- in integrated pest management (IPM) systems,
- within national and European environmental schemes input reduction programmes,
Its use up to harvest also makes it a key end-of-season tool, securing yield and winemaking quality without any impact on organoleptic characteristics.
Use methodology in European viticulture
Fytosave® is used in a preventive and cumulative approach, in combination with existing antifungal products.
Key principles
Two application windows
- Pre-flowering (BBCH 12–55): early activation of natural plant defences prior to first infection events,
- Post-flowering (BBCH 75–89): end-of-cycle protection compatible with residue constraints.
Application interval
- Reapplication every 7 to 10 days, depending on disease pressure, weather conditions and varietal susceptibility.
Tank-mix compatibility
- High compatibility with conventional fungicides, copper and sulphur, facilitating integration into existing crop protection programmes.
Field experience – European adaptation
Émilie and Benjamin – Domaine de la Grande Canague (France)
“We integrated Fytosave® into our vineyard protection programme against downy mildew and powdery mildew in a context of reduced plant protection inputs and increased disease pressure.
The product proved easy to use and to mix, which facilitated its integration into our technical programme. We applied three treatments before flowering and three after flowering, in addition to our standard programme.
The results were very positive: we significantly reduced the use of plant protection products and extended spray intervals, while maintaining good vineyard sanitary status. Over the season, we observed up to a 35% increase in yield, as well as improved vine behaviour under water stress, particularly during the driest periods.”
Towards more resilient European vineyard protection
Between 2026 and 2030, European viticulture and vineyard disease management systems are entering a pivotal phase. The reduction of antifungal inputs is no longer optional, but a structural reality.
In this context, the combination of good agronomic practices, integrated crop protection strategies and biocontrol solutions is becoming essential.
In this respect, Fytosave® represents a key lever for building robust, sustainable vineyard protection programmes that are fully compatible with European regulatory requirements.
