Glyphosate use is coming under increasing scrutiny. Should it be banned in modern viticulture? What are the alternatives? (2022, Q4) Flashcards
(35 cards)
What is glyphosate used for in viticulture?
Weed control; it’s efficient and low-cost.
Why is glyphosate use under pressure in viticulture today?
Due to health and environmental concerns.
Which international agency classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic”?
WHO
What type of DNA damage has glyphosate been linked to?
Genotoxicity
What environmental effect does glyphosate’s broad-spectrum action cause?
It eliminates groundcover and harms insect populations.
What happens to vineyard soils with glyphosate-induced bare ground?
Soil compaction, poor water infiltration, and biodiversity loss.
What vineyard soil organisms are negatively impacted by glyphosate?
Mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial insects.
What did Austrian vineyard studies reveal about glyphosate’s effect on mycorrhizae?
It reduced colonization by about 50% compared to mechanical weeding.
Why is glyphosate widely used by growers?
It saves labor and is cost-efficient.
How much could vineyard costs increase without glyphosate?
Up to €553/ha (Finger et al., 2023).
What is a potential yield risk when transitioning away from glyphosate?
Weaker weed control may lower yields initially.
What is the recommended approach to banning glyphosate?
A phased transition with support.
How has France approached the glyphosate phase-out?
With limited exceptions and reduced allowable use.
What can governments do to ease the glyphosate transition?
Provide training and subsidies for alternatives.
What are the benefits of mechanical weeding?
Soil aeration, weed control, organic matter incorporation.
What are the drawbacks of traditional mechanical weeding?
Fuel use, compaction, equipment cost, root damage.
What does the VitiBot Bakus offer that traditional machines don’t?
It’s electric, autonomous, light, and precise.
How do vineyard robots reduce labor needs?
One worker can supervise multiple units
What condition allows robots to operate when tractors can’t?
Wet soil – robots cause less compaction.
What do electric weeders do to kill plants?
Deliver high-voltage shocks that destroy cells.
What benefits do cover crops bring to vineyards?
Weed suppression, erosion control, biodiversity.
What is one risk of using cover crops in dry climates?
Competition for water and nutrients.
Name two estates using cover crops
Cheval Blanc (manifesto (anti)conventional viticulture) and Perrier-Jouët (regenerative viticulture)
What materials can be used for mulching in vineyards?
Straw, compost, or wood chips.
