Until the 1950s, it was common practice worldwide to use massive amounts of chemicals in the fight against pests, because little was known about the negative effects. Climate change also contributes to negative development. Conventional agrochemicals with large-scale use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides have come under increasing criticism since the 1980s and are considered incompatible with sustainability and organic agriculture. However, a radical shift away from these practices is hardly realistic in the short term, also due to crop failures.
A variety of microorganisms, nematodes, fungi, insects, harmful birds and other animals (vertebrates) can cause considerable damage, as well as high yield and quality losses. This is particularly true in intensive crops such as cereals, vegetables, fruit and grapes. The harvest loss for wheat is at least 30% and for rice around 50%. Plant protection is therefore of particular importance in terms of safeguarding the world's food supply.
Threat to biodiversity
A rethink began in the 1960s, when the increased use of chemical substances and monoculture led to severe disruptions of the natural balance, in some cases threatening biodiversity. The pioneers were mainly Switzerland, Germany, France and Austria. The first concepts were developed and implemented as early as the mid-1970s. In many European countries, this is already regulated by law through plant protection laws. The individual plant protection products must be approved by appropriate tests. Often the use is not allowed for an unlimited period of time, but is limited in time. The Conventional plant protection with total destruction of pests as far as possible, but also of beneficial organis ms, has finally had its day.
Forms of plant protection
There is some confusion about the names. The chemically produced substances that are effective in various forms are collectively referred to as pesticides in the broader sense; but in German-speaking countries they are usually called plant protection products. Insecticides are sometimes referred to as a separate category, although they belong to the large group of pesticides. In the context of biological plant protection chemical agents are not used at all, in the context of Integrated Pest Management where possible. The two keywords describe the principles and necessary measures of environmentally friendly plant protection. See also under Organic Viticulture.
Further information
The planned establishment of a new vineyard or vineyard with the planting of vines in compliance with all laws, observance of all criteria and the necessary measures are described in detail under Vine establishment plan. All tools, work and measures in the vineyard during the vegetation cycle can be found under the keyword vineyard care. See also a complete list of all vine-specific keywords under Vine.
Earth globe (picture left): by anncapictures on Pixabay
Tunnel sprayer (picture right): by Karl Bauer - Own work, CC BY 3.0 at, Link
