Mildew is in the rows and has already done considerable damage at the start of summer. The monitoring of the 86 reference plots coordinated by the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture shows that 90% of the vines are affected, to a greater or lesser extent. “In winegrower memory, we had never seen this: mildew spare no one this year and take on unparalleled proportions, ”estimates the Chamber in a press release, this Tuesday evening.
“The combination of heat and humidity” in question
This disease destroys the foliage and dries out the berries without really being able to contain it, and the magnitude it has taken already allows us to say that there will be significant crop losses. “This virulence of the disease is probably linked to the climatic conditions, with the combination of heat and humidity for several weeks, advances the chamber. A tropical atmosphere conducive to the development of the disease. »
The Chamber of Agriculture discusses with professional organizations and State services to organize technical commissions and activate compensation processes. “Winegrowers, already largely weakened by the economic crisis, are disillusioned with the loss of their upcoming harvest”, regrets the Chamber.