Biostimulants for Grapevine: High-Performance Ecological Viticulture

## Organic Viticulture in Europe: A Silent RevolutionOrganic viticulture has established itself as an agricultural practice that not only protects the environment but also adds value to wines produced under this approach. In Europe, the area dedicated to organic viticulture is constantly growing, led by countries such as Spain, France, and Italy. Spain, with approximately 112,000 hectares of organic vineyards, represents 22% of the world’s organic wine production. France and Italy closely follow with 93,000 and 110,000 hectares respectively. These figures reflect a significant commitment to sustainability and quality.The organic wine market has experienced an increase in demand, with consumers willing to pay a premium price of up to 30% more compared to conventional wines. This increase in value is due to the perception of higher quality and contribution to environmental conservation. In terms of regulation, Regulation (EU) 203/2012 establishes the standards for organic wine production in Europe, ensuring sustainable practices and the authenticity of the final product.The most active Designations of Origin (DO) in promoting organic viticulture include Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat, among others. These DOs not only ensure the quality of the wine but also promote cultivation methods that respect biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.## The Phenological Cycle of the Vine and Its Nutritional NeedsThe phenological cycle of the vine is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of nutritional needs at each stage. From budburst to winter dormancy, the vine goes through several critical phases that determine the quantity and quality of the harvest.1. **Budburst (BBCH 01-09):** During this initial phase, sap flow begins, and essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are crucial to prepare the vine for budding.2. **Bud Break (BBCH 10-19):** In this period, buds begin to open. An adequate balance of nitrogen, phosphorus (P), and potassium is required to ensure vigorous growth.3. **Flowering (BBCH 60-69):** This phase is critical for fruit formation. Phosphorus and boron (B) play an essential role in the flowering and fruit set process.4. **Fruit Set (BBCH 71):** Here, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are fundamental for berry development.5. **Veraison (BBCH 81):** During the colour change of the grapes, potassium is vital for sugar accumulation and the development of phenolic compounds.6. **Ripening (BBCH 85-89):** At this stage, nutrients should focus on maintaining plant health and enhancing fruit quality. Potassium remains important, along with calcium to improve grape structure.7. **Harvest (BBCH 91+):** Although harvesting is underway, ensuring good plant health is crucial for the next season.8. **Winter Dormancy:** The vine enters a dormancy period, where reserve accumulation is key for a good start in the next season.## The Major Enemies of Organic Vines and How to Combat Them with BiostimulantsOrganic vines face numerous challenges, from pests to diseases, and biostimulants offer effective solutions to strengthen the plant’s natural defences.1. **Plasmopara viticola (Downy Mildew):** This fungus is a common enemy in humid climates. Biostimulants like Boost Universal can induce natural defence mechanisms in the plant, improving its resistance to pathogen attacks.2. **Erysiphe necator (Powdery Mildew):** Affects leaves and fruits. Products like Fulvex 50S help improve the overall health of the plant, increasing its ability to resist fungal infections.3. **Botrytis cinerea:** Known for causing grey rot, it can be controlled by using biostimulants that reinforce the cellular structure of the grapes, such as Calcium 40%.4. **Lobesia botrana (Grape Moth):** This pest feeds on the flowers and fruits of the vine. Biostimulants can increase the production of compounds that make the plant less attractive to these pests.5. **Bunch Stem Necrosis:** This problem can be mitigated by using PhosMax 32 to improve fruit set.6. **Water Stress at Veraison:** During veraison, water stress can reduce grape quality. Products like Balance 7-7-7 help maintain the plant’s water balance.7. **Late Frosts:** The use of Nitrotech 16 before budburst can help the plant recover quickly from frost damage.## Ecoganic Biostimulant Programme for Vines: Week by Week

Phase	BBCH	Period	Ecoganic Product	Dosage (L/ha)	Intervention	Objective
Bud Break	10-19	March	Nitrotech 16	2-3	Foliar	Stimulate budding
Shoot Growth	20-29	April	Boost Universal	3-4	Foliar	Enhance vegetative growth
3-4 Leaves	30-39	April-May	Balance 7-7-7	2-3	Foliar	Nutritional balance
Pre-Flowering	50-55	May	PhosMax 32	2	Foliar	Promote flowering
Full Flowering	60-69	May-June	Calcium 40%	2-3	Foliar	Improve fruit set
Fruit Set	71	June	Universal Power OCC	3	Foliar	Increase fruit development
Pre-Veraison	76-79	July	K-FLOW	3	Foliar	Prepare for veraison
Veraison	81	July-August	PK-FLOW 20	3-4	Foliar	Enhance colour and flavour
Ripening	85-89	August-September	Micro Plus	2-3	Foliar	Optimise grape quality
Post-Harvest	91+	October	Fulvex 50S	3-4	Foliar	Restore plant reserves

## Impact on Grape and Wine QualityThe use of biostimulants in organic viticulture has shown a significant impact on grape quality and, consequently, on wine. Among the observed benefits are:– **Increase in Brix Degrees:** An increase of 1.5 to 2° in Brix degrees has been documented, indicating a higher sugar content in the grapes and a higher alcoholic potential in the wine. – **Increase in Anthocyanins:** Biostimulants can increase anthocyanin concentration by 15 to 25%, improving the colour and stability of the wine. – **Improvement in Total Tannins and Polyphenols:** These compounds are crucial for the structure and ageing of the wine. Treatments with biostimulants favour a more complex and robust profile. – **Varietal Expression:** Biostimulants enhance varietal characteristics, resulting in wines with a more defined and authentic profile. – **Impact on Fermentation:** The health and quality of the grape improve the fermentation process, reducing the need for additional corrections. – **Total Acidity and Maturity Index:** Biostimulants help balance total acidity, ensuring an optimal technological and phenolic maturity index.## Field Results: Trials 2021-2024Trials conducted between 2021 and 2024 have provided solid evidence of the efficacy of Ecoganic biostimulants in different grape varieties.– **Tempranillo:** A 20% increase in production and a 15% improvement in fruit quality were observed. – **Garnacha:** Resistance to pests and diseases increased by 18%, with a 22% increase in polyphenol content. – **Monastrell:** Production increased by 25%, with a notable improvement in the wine’s aromatic expression. – **Merlot and Cabernet:** Both varieties showed a 20% increase in water stress resistance and a 30% increase in fruit quality. – **Syrah:** A 28% increase in tannin concentration was documented, improving the wine’s structure. – **Albariño and Verdejo:** These white varieties showed a 15% improvement in total acidity and a 20% improvement in varietal expression.## Designations of Origin and Certifications: Total CompatibilityEcoganic biostimulants are fully compatible with the regulations of major Designations of Origin (DO) such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Cava. These DOs recognise the importance of maintaining sustainable practices that do not compromise wine quality.Moreover, EU organic wines are subject to lower SO2 limits, being 75 mg/L for rosés compared to 100 mg/L in conventional wines, reinforcing the need for practices that enhance quality without resorting to additives. In terms of certifications, the seaweed biostimulants used by Ecoganic are compatible with standards such as Biodyvin and Demeter, ensuring their use in biodynamic viticulture.## Frequently Asked Questions About Biostimulants for VinesPREGUNTA: ¿Afecta al terroir el uso de bioestimulantes? RESPUESTA: Los bioestimulantes están diseñados para complementar las características naturales del terroir, no para alterarlas. De hecho, al mejorar la salud general de la planta, se potencia la expresión varietal y se respeta la autenticidad del terroir. Esto resulta en vinos que reflejan mejor su origen geográfico.PREGUNTA: ¿Cuándo aplicar bioestimulantes antes de la vendimia? RESPUESTA: La aplicación de bioestimulantes debe planificarse cuidadosamente, especialmente en las semanas previas a la vendimia. Es recomendable aplicar productos como PK-FLOW 20 durante el envero para maximizar el desarrollo de compuestos fenólicos y azúcares, asegurando una maduración óptima.PREGUNTA: ¿Es compatible el uso de bioestimulantes con tratamientos de azufre y cobre? RESPUESTA: Sí, los bioestimulantes Ecoganic son compatibles con tratamientos de azufre y cobre. Sin embargo, es aconsejable consultar con un asesor técnico para programar las aplicaciones de manera que se maximice la eficacia de todos los tratamientos.PREGUNTA: ¿Cómo ayudan los bioestimulantes a combatir el estrés hídrico? RESPUESTA: Los bioestimulantes como Balance 7-7-7 mejoran la capacidad de la planta para retener agua y gestionar el estrés hídrico. Al fortalecer las paredes celulares y mejorar el equilibrio osmótico, la vid puede soportar mejor las condiciones de sequía, manteniendo la calidad de la uva.PREGUNTA: ¿Qué beneficios ofrecen los bioestimulantes en la producción ecológica de vino? RESPUESTA: Los bioestimulantes mejoran la salud del viñedo, incrementan la calidad de la uva y potencian el perfil aromático y estructural del vino. Además, su uso en la producción ecológica está alineado con las normativas que buscan reducir el impacto ambiental y mejorar la sostenibilidad de las prácticas agrícolas.## ConclusionThe implementation of biostimulants in organic viticulture represents a powerful tool to enhance the quality and sustainability of wine production. Ecoganic offers solutions tailored to each phenological phase of the vine, ensuring optimal performance while respecting the characteristics of the terroir. For personalised advice according to the area and variety, do not hesitate to contact our experts. Together, we can take your vineyard to the next level of ecological excellence.