The aim of the project "InnoPIWI" is to establish an organic variety test for new fungus-resistant grape varieties (PIWI). Their cultivation is the most effective way to significantly reduce the high use of pesticides in viticulture. To do this, practitioners need information on the cultivation characteristics, vinification and wine quality of these varieties. This applies in particular to the promising, multi-resistant new varieties from national and international breeders that are about to be launched or have just been launched.
For the agronomic and oenological testing of these PIWIs, trial plots are being set up at three climatically different locations (Elfingen AG, Pragins VD, Wädenswil ZH). These contain a test assortment and a viewing assortment. In the test assortment, eight well-known varieties are grown in large numbers with replicates and tested agronomically and oenologically. In order to test the robustness of these varieties under practical conditions, a plant protection trial is also set up in Frick, in which various plant protection strategies are being tested. In the screening assortment, 25 to 45 varieties are selected in collaboration with the breeding institutes and planted in small numbers in order to obtain initial information about the potential at the respective locations.
Project manager