Rachis desiccation
Rachis desiccation is a grapevine physiopathy associated with nutritional imbalances, observed in several varieties (Merlot, Sauvignon, Marzemino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Schioppettino). It should not be confused with berry shrivel (also known as sugar accumulation disorder or grape shriveling).
Lesions form on the rachis, causing the distal berries to necrotize and slowly dehydrate. From a qualitative perspective, affected berries exhibit higher titratable acidity and lower sugar concentration. Climatic stresses, such as temperature fluctuations or low temperatures during specific phenological phases (e.g., flowering or veraison), as well as the choice of certain rootstocks (e.g., S.O.4), seem to contribute to the disorder. The effects of fertilization are contradictory, although magnesium- and potassium-based fertilizers have shown the best results.
The use of BioAksxter® M31 Viticulture, by rebalancing the plant-soil system, effectively addresses issues related to nutritional imbalances. BioAksxter® does not interfere with the action of other fertilizers; on the contrary, it allows for a reduction of at least 30% in the use of additional products. Regular and consistent applications help prevent the onset of this disorder.
