Beneficial microorganisms and eco-friendly products in plant defence mechanisms and insect response

The research is a part of a study to develop an agro-ecological model of sustainable viticulture. The activity, carried out on both international cultivars and old varieties, is based on the induction of plant resistance forms to downy mildew and the attraction of beneficial insects, by applications of products and microorganisms used in organic agriculture, such as Trichoderma and Silicon. The increase of jasmonic and salicylic acid, as well as the involvement of other substances (i.e. Reactive Oxygen Species) and associated mechanisms are evaluated. Moreover, the reduction of the use of copper, the only product available in organic farming or the protection of downy mildew (subjected to continuous restrictions due to the negative effects on the environment) is being evaluated.