A Road Map for Reasoned Use of Biocontrol Agents against Botrytis Bunch Rot in Vineyards

Biocontrol agents (BCAs) are alternatives to synthetic fungicides with low risk to the environment and human health. Although different BCAs are available on the market for controlling gray mold in vineyard, the usage of BCAs in field conditions is still challenging. To improve the gray mold management based on BCAs, an effective strategy for their use has been proposed in this case study, which encompasses a preliminary analysis of the context and then a reasoned selection of the BCA to be used based on the context analysis. The context analysis considers the following steps: step 1, evaluation of the risk of Botrytis cinerea infection and the consequent need of disease control intervention; step 2, consideration of the infection pathway of the pathogen to be targeted, and the consequent plant substrate on which the BCA may grow; and step 3, ponderation of weather conditions at the time of application and in the following days, which may affect the survival, growth, and finally efficacy of BCAs. The approach described in the present case study outlines the concept of a reasoned selection of BCAs for the control of B. cinerea in vineyards.