Vineyards Magazine

The experiment consists of track-side semifixed implant for the distribution of plant protection products. Among the objectives is also to offer an alternative to the use of the helicopter.

It is a prototype designed and built in the hills of Farra di Soligo that has involved the science department of the University of Padua, with the technical support of a consulting firm from Trentino region. It is an important experiment that confirms the continuing work of the consortium to promote a more sustainable viticulture that respects the environment and the health of the inhabitants.

The implant is part of a more detailed search focused largely on the reduction of drift by spraying with plant protection products.

The minimum distance between the source that sprays water and the leaf canopy contributes to a number of potential benefits. For example, the containment of the cloud of chemical mixture only in the boundaries of the vineyards. On one hand, the heroic viticulture on extreme grounds will be preserved. There, the slopes are also remarkable for mthe huge manual work required of wine growers, often elderly people. On the other hand, the system may offer in the future alternatives to the use of the helicopter.

 “ The research aims clearly also to achieve effective health care in operation by virtue of the ability to validate the system and maybe even extend to other wine areas of the DOCG which are extremely difficult in terms of manual effort and risk exposure.” explains Filippo Taglietti technical expert of the Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene.

Henry Borzi