The first edition carries a foreword from Agroscope head Eva Reinhard. She writes: “A key issue of our time to which Agroscope hopes to make an important contribution is as follows: How can we meet the need for healthy foods in an even more sustainable manner, today and in future? We know that there is no universally valid, and above all no consistent answer: after all, we are trying to reconcile the competing, at times contradictory demands and expectations of economics, ecology and society. Nevertheless, Agroscope can help to develop possible solutions, depicting all their benefits and drawbacks in a transparent manner, and offering them as a basis for decision-making.”

The magazine includes insights into Agroscope’s integrated approach to controlling the spotted-wing fruit fly (Drosophila suzukii ), which has caused local crop losses in soft and stone-fruit production, as well as viticulture, since appearing in Switzerland in 2011.

Since 2014 substantial damage has been observed in vineyards and while insecticide treatments are available, winegrowers are reluctant to use them close to harvesting and want to protect their image. This means that prophylactic measures have been the backbone of protection, focusing on aeration and lighting of the grape zone.

Now, a new ally has been proved effective against these fruit flies while not affecting wine quality: kaolin. Agroscope magazine reports: “The use of kaolin, a chemically inert white rock powder based on aluminosilicate, may constitute a valuable alternative to insecticides. The particles of this mineral stick to the surface of the grapes, forming a physical barrier that reduces damage.”

Following 23 fields trials and a wine quality trial involving the Mara red grape variety, researchers report:

• Approved for use in organic farming, kaolin ensures satisfactory protection of grapes against D. suzukii .
• This natural product poses no problem in terms of residues or resistance.
• Its impact on beneficial organisms is negligible.
• The chemical and organoleptic properties of the red grape variety ‘Mara’ were not affected.
• The results of this study show that kaolin applications are effective against D. suzukii  and do not pose major risks to the environment, wine quality or human health.

Other highlights in the magazine include an interview with Alain Gaume, head of Agroscope’s Plant Protection Strategic Research Division and a member of the executive board, who discusses sustainable crop protection, innovation and responsibility.

There are also links to a leaflet on Swiss honey plants, a vital source of pollen and nectar for honey bees, and access to a video on Swiss rice cultivation. The latter is being tested in northern Switzerland as a way of managing temporarily flooded fields in an economically and environmentally sound manner.

For more information:

• Read more on the Agroscope website here