Grapevine Biotechnology
Silicon dioxide nanolayers and embedded compounds for protection against sunburn and fungi in fruit cultivation and viticulture
Viticulture and fruit cultivation are confronted with a number of biotic and abiotic stress factors that can lead to high pesticide use and possible crop failures. As part of a project funded by the European Union (https://www.eurostars-eureka.eu), a water-soluble sprayable formulation has been developed that uses sol-gel polymerization to create silica nanocoatings on plant surfaces. In combination with certain active ingredients, this is intended to prevent fungal infestation (e.g. downy mildew and powdery mildew) and sunburn.
The cooperation partners want to develop, produce and market innovative products to reduce biotic and abiotic stresses in viticulture and fruit production and to improve the marketing of the products. Treatments with non-toxic sprays that form a silica nano-layer, in which UV protection and/or active substances against fungal pathogens can be embedded, could improve the quality of the harvested crop, and the shelf life of fruit could be improved by preventing gray mold infections (Botrytis cinerea).
Image of the underside of a vine leaf coated with a silicon dioxide nanocoating taken by scanning electron microscopy. The image section was selected such that a transverse fracture edge makes the coating visible. The desired coating thickness is located above the fracture edge.