Mixtures of Macro and Micronutrients Control Grape Powdery Mildew and Alter Berry Metabolites

Powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator is a major grape disease worldwide. It attacks foliage and berries and reduces yield and wine quality. Fungicides are mainly used for combating the disease. Fungicide resistance and the global requisite to reduce pesticide deployment encourage the use of environment-friendly alternatives for disease management. Our field experiments showed that the foliar application of the potassium phosphate fertilizer Top-KP+ (1-50-33 NPK) reduced disease incidence on leaves and clusters by 15-65% and severity by 75-90%, compared to untreated vines. Top-KP+ mixed with Nanovatz (containing the micronutrients boron (B) and zinc (Zn)) or with TruPhos Platinum (a mixture containing N, P₂O₅, K₂O, Zn, B, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Mo, and CO) further reduced disease incidence by 30-90% and disease severity by 85-95%. These fertilizers were as effective as the fungicide tebuconazole. Tank mixtures of fertilizers and tebuconazole further enhanced control efficacy in the vineyards. The modes of action of fertilizers in disease control were elucidated via tests with grape seedlings, microscopy, and berry metabolomics. Fertilizers applied preventively to the foliage of grape seedlings inhibited powdery mildew development. Application onto existing mildew colonies plasmolyzed mycelia and conidia and arrested the development of the disease. Berries treated with fertilizers or with a fungicide showed a significant increase in anti-fungal and antioxidant metabolites. Twenty-two metabolites, including non-protein amino acids and carbohydrates, known for their anti-fungal and bioactive effects, were significantly upregulated in grapes treated with fertilizers as compared to grapes treated with a fungicide, suggesting possible indirect activity against the pathogen. Esters and organic acids that contribute to wine quality were also upregulated. We conclude that integrating macro and micronutrients in spray programs in commercial vineyards shall control powdery mildew, reduce fungicide deployment, delay the buildup of fungicide resistance, and may improve wine quality.