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The biological efficiency of plant protection applications by drone was evaluated during three years and compared to applications made with conventional ground sprayers. These trials took place each year on four experimental plots in the cantons of Vaud and Valais. Overall, the drone applications achieved lower levels of disease control than conventional sprayers. Additional ground applications are necessary to obtain satisfactory results in case of high disease pressure. Application quality measurements using a fluorescent marker were used to assess the quantities of product deposited on bunches and leaves and to visualise their distribution. Compared to the knapsack sprayer, the drone deposited a similar amount of product on the upper leaves but 3.6 times less on the leaves in the bunch area and 7.1 times less on the clusters.

Keywords: drone application, UVA, disease control, grapevine, application quality, deposit.

E-Mail: pierre-henri.dubuis@agroscope.admin.ch

Adress: Agroscope, 1260 Changins/Nyon

A programme for safeguarding the genetic diversity of traditional and native grape varieties of the Valais conducted as a joint project of Agroscope, the Cantonal Viticulture Office of Valais and the Société des pépiniéristes valaisans from 1992 onwards has enabled over 1600 clones of 17 grape varieties to be added to the collection to date. For Cornalin du Valais, 130 clones were selected from old plots and individual vines dating from pre-clonal times. Eighteen Cornalin du Valais clones were studied in-depth as to their agronomic and oenological suitability within the context of a study collection established on Agroscope’s experimental vineyard in Leytron (Valais). Observations conducted from 2006 to 2012 highlighted a highly significant intravarietal diversity in Cornalin du Valais for the majority of agronomic aspects, in particular for production potential and for sensitivity to Botrytis cinerea, magnesium deficiency and bunch stem necrosis. This trial has led to the documentation of three new Cornalin du Valais clones (RAC 41, RAC 82, RAC 83) which will be distributed by the Swiss certification sector.

Keywords: grapevine, Cornalin du Valais, clonal selection, agronomic features.

E-Mail: jean-laurent.spring@agroscope.admin.ch

Adress: Agroscope, 1009 Pully