(EM Bio-nrg srl) u - Multikraft

SUMMARY
Experimental research into the influence of treatment with preparations based on
bacteria mixtures (EM Bio-nrg s.r.l.) upon the nutritional condition and health of
vines (2007-2009)
Alberto Vercesi, Institute for Fruit and Viniculture, Università Cattolica del S.C. Milan
Agricultural Science Faculty, Piacenza Branch (Italy)
In their vineyards, winegrowers primarily use chemical substances to combat disease
(particularly fungi and insects) and as fertilizer. Since the middle of the last century,
the bulk, if not all, of these chemical substances have been man-made (synthetic
products) and therefore they do not exist in nature. In addition, these substances also
hold dangers for the environment and health.
For viniculture, standard formulations on the basis of photosynthesis bacteria, lactic
acid bacteria and yeast can be considered for use and not only as a fertilizer, but also
for leaf treatments in order to restrict cases of disease and to improve plant nutrition.
On the basis of experience in the Far East (especially in Japan), Messrs Bio-nrg s.r.l. has
launched a preparation onto the market, which consists of a mixture of bacteria and
fungi that are fermented by the addition of sugars, various plant extracts and inorganic
substances (rock flour). In order to determine the effects of this preparation in
connection with leaf treatments (no relevant experience is yet available in the European
viniculture industry), the study presented was completed in the Oltrepò Pavese growing
area, a D.O.C. (controlled area of origin) in north-west Italy in the Apennine foothills at
45°northern latitude. The results of this three-year research study (2007-2009) led to
the following main conclusions.
The spraying of leaves using EM (3-4 hl/ha) was able to significantly limit the
development of downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) on the vines, especially where
limited amounts of copper (100 g/hl) were added. The latter variation provided the sane
results as those achieved with standard and consolidated protective vineyard
treatments. As far as plant nutrition is concerned, leaf treatment with EM led to the
steady enhancement of the iron concentrations in the leaves and their photosynthetic
efficiency. In addition, a marked increase in vine yield was determined without negative
effects on the sugar content of the grapes and moreover, the total sugar volume per
vine was also raised. This yield boosting effect was less pronounced in the EM variation
with a lower copper dosage.
The interesting results in connection with viniculture should lead to an enlargement of
research into EM products in the areas of fruit growing and horticulture, whereby a
knowledge of the possible effective mechanisms of the contents, which to date have

only been outlined, could be deepened, e.g. the bacterial effect (especially of lactic
acid bacteria) during the creation of an “environment” on the leaf surface, which limits
the spread of downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), as well as the possible consequences
of the fermentation of herbs and the minerals used, with regard to the availability and
iron nutrition of the leaves. It is highly likely that this was largely, if not exclusively,
responsible for the improvement in photosynthesis efficiency.
danno %
danno %
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
30
25
20
15
10
Peronospora 2007 grappoli postallegagione
5
0
b a
EM AZ test
Peronospora 2007 grappoli postinvaiatura
a
a
c
b
EM AZ test
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
diffusione %
diffusione %
danno %
danno %
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
b
Peronospora 2008 grappoli postallegagione
EM EM Cu AZ test
b
a
Peronospora 2008 grappoli postinvaiatura
EM EM Cu AZ test
a
a a
c
c
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
diffusione %
diffusione %

2008
Produzione
e zuccheri
6
5,5
5
4,5
4
3,5
3
2,5
2
1
0,9
0,8
0,7
0,6
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0
b
produzione per ceppo (Kg) nel 2008
EM EM Cu AZ test
b c
a b
zuccheri per ceppo (Kg) nel 2008
b
EM EM Cu AZ test
b
c
a
a

41
40
39
38
37
36
35
Funzionalità fogliare (SPAD) 2009, foglie basali
Funzionalità fogliare (SPAD) preinvaiatura "terzo basale del
germoglio)" nel 2009
c
b
EM EM
fosKMg
c c
EM Cu Cu test
a