In a commercial vineyard affected by ESCA in Spain, ECOGANIC POWER completely eliminated disease symptoms for two consecutive growing seasons (2016–2018) with just two annual applications — one after winter pruning and one after summer pruning.
ESCA: the most difficult wood disease to control in viticulture
ESCA (Phaeoacremonium spp. / Phaeomoniella chlamydospora) is a fungal disease that colonizes the vine's vascular system through pruning wounds. Once established, it causes internal necrosis, plant decline, and in severe cases, sudden vine death in the middle of the season. Conventional fungicides have limited efficacy because the pathogen lives inside the woody tissues, beyond the reach of foliar treatments.
Preventive control immediately after pruning — when wounds are open and the pathogen can penetrate — is the most effective window for action. It is at this stage that ECOGANIC POWER has demonstrated outstanding results in the trial at Bodega Abdon Segovia.
The trial: affected vineyard, two seasons, Spain 2016-2018
The trial was conducted in a commercial vineyard with a documented history of ESCA in Spain, during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons. The protocol consisted of applying ECOGANIC POWER together with H₂O₂ (agricultural-grade hydrogen peroxide) at two critical moments each season:
- Immediately after winter pruning, when wounds are fresh.
- Immediately after summer pruning (if tipping or green thinning was performed).
The control plants received no specific bioprotective treatment against ESCA. At the end of each season, the presence or absence of external symptoms (tiger-stripe leaf spots, shoot decline, apoplexy) was evaluated.
Quantified results
| Parameter | Control | ECOGANIC POWER | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESCA symptoms (season 1) | Present | 0 symptoms | Total elimination |
| ESCA symptoms (season 2) | Present | 0 symptoms | Maintained |
| Number of applications/campaign | — | 2 | Minimum protocol |
Full data —observation methodology, exact application dates, and verifiable source— are available in the trial technical sheet:
View full trial: ESCA in grapevine, Spain 2016-2018 →
Why ECOGANIC POWER works against wood diseases
ECOGANIC POWER is an organic-based bioprotector certified under CE 2018/848. Its mechanism of action against wood pathogens such as ESCA operates through three pathways:
- Direct activity on fungi: The product's components create an unfavorable environment for the germination and colonization of Phaeoacremonium spp. in the freshly opened wound.
- Induction of systemic resistance: It stimulates the plant's natural defenses (jasmonic acid pathway) so that the woody tissue reacts more quickly to infection.
- Accelerated healing: The pruning callus forms more quickly, reducing the wound's period of vulnerability.
This mechanism is complementary to the use of conventional pruning pastes and can be integrated into a certified organic viticulture program without restrictions. For the complete vine program, consult the biostimulant guide for vines.
Frequently asked questions about ESCA and bioprotectants in vines
Does ECOGANIC POWER eliminate the ESCA fungus from inside already colonized woody tissue?
The product primarily acts as a preventive at the entry point (pruning wound). It does not penetrate already necrotic woody tissue. However, the elimination of external symptoms for two consecutive seasons in the trial suggests that new colonization is blocked and the plant recovers its vegetative capacity.
When is the most critical application time against ESCA?
Immediately after winter pruning — within the first 24-48 hours if possible. At that time, the wounds are open and the pathogen can enter through spores in the environment. The second application after summer pruning complements protection during the second risk window.
Is it compatible with organic certification in viticulture?
Yes. ECOGANIC POWER is certified under Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and is suitable for use in certified organic wine production, with no withholding period or detectable residues in grapes or wine.
