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Boosting calcium to fight disease in wine grapes

Results of a field trial in Italy (2024)

Calcium the frontline defender

Calcium isn’t just a structural nutrient - it’s a frontline defender. It strengthens cell walls, helping vines grow with confidence and stability. But its real value shows when pressure hits.

Grape skin cracking?

Calcium keeps cells tight and elastic, reducing split risk - especially during rapid berry growth or after rain.

Pathogens like Peronospora (downy mildew) and Botrytis (grey mould) thrive on weak tissue. Calcium makes it harder for them to break in. It reinforces the outer layers and supports the plant’s immune response, so infections struggle to take hold.

The result?

Healthier vines. Cleaner bunches. And fewer losses to disease or disorder.

Effective calcium delivery with POLY4

To evaluate how POLY4 delivers calcium, we conducted a field trial in Cuneo province on Nebbiolo grapes (harvest 2024). POLY4 was compared to a standard NPK 12:12:17 fertiliser, with both applied at the same rate of 600 kg/ha.

The results showed a significant increase in calcium content in grape berries treated with POLY4 compared to NPK.

Higher calcium levels strengthen berry skin, reduce disease risk, and improve overall fruit quality and resilience.

* Letters on the columns indicate significant difference (SNK test)

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POLY4® is a trademark of Anglo American Woodsmith Limited.

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