In viticulture, every action counts and every tool has its importance. Among them, the sprayer plays an essential role as a true ally to the winegrower in ensuring the protection and health of their vines. This equipment allows various substances to be applied to the plants in a controlled and uniform manner, thereby contributing to the future quality of the wines.

An essential tool for vine protection

The sprayer, in its primary function, is a device designed to disperse liquids in the form of fine droplets over a given surface. In viticulture, its main role is to ensure the phytosanitary protection of the vine. It allows treatment products, whether conventional or organic, to be applied directly onto the foliage and bunches.
This practice is crucial for preventing and combating fungal diseases, such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, as well as pests and nutritional deficiencies. The objective is to protect the plant throughout its vegetative cycle to guarantee healthy grapes and quality production.

Agronomic objective: health and sustainability

The agronomic objective of using the sprayer is twofold: to maintain the health of the vine and to optimise the effectiveness of treatments while minimising their impact. A precise and uniform application of substances is fundamental. Indeed, it ensures complete coverage of the plant, which is essential for effective protection, and reduces product wastage, benefiting both the environment and the estate's economy. Mastering this technique contributes to sustainable viticulture by limiting phytosanitary pressure on the environment.

When and how to spray?

The spraying schedule is determined by several factors: the vine's development stage (budburst, flowering, bunch closure, veraison), weather conditions (rain, wind, humidity), and the pressure from diseases and pests. Ideally, applications are carried out in calm weather, without excessive wind, to prevent droplet drift and ensure good adherence. The frequency and type of products vary considerably between conventional and organic farming. The winegrower must constantly monitor their parcels in order to intervene at the right moment.

Equipment and techniques

There are several types of sprayers, each suited to specific needs:

Knapsack sprayers

• Used for small areas, localised treatments, or parcels inaccessible to mechanised equipment. Their manoeuvrability is an asset.

Trailed or mounted sprayers

• These are the most common in vineyards. Towed by a tractor, they are equipped with booms or pneumatic diffusers that propel the spray mixture.

Sprayers for straddle tractors

• Used in narrow vines, they allow several rows to be treated simultaneously.

Technological advances now incorporate targeted spraying systems, which adjust the volume and pressure according to foliage density, thereby reducing product consumption and environmental impact.

Spraying: conventional versus organic

Traditionally, sprayers have been used to diffuse phytosanitary products. This category encompasses substances designed to protect the vine against fungal diseases, such as the terrible downy mildew or powdery mildew, age-old plagues that have marked the history of the Bordeaux vineyard, as recalled by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne in his book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". They also help combat attacks by insect pests or control competing vegetation. Today, application precision is crucial not only for the effectiveness of treatments but especially for minimising their environmental impact, a major concern at Château Cazebonne.

Organic viticulture: the sprayer at the service of nature

In an organic farming approach, the use of the sprayer takes on a completely different dimension, yet remains fundamental. At Château Cazebonne, we favour solutions that respect the ecosystem and biodiversity. The sprayer then allows us to diffuse copper and sulphur-based preparations, natural substances renowned for their fungicidal properties that have proven their effectiveness over the centuries. Spraying is also enriched with herbal "teas" made from plants like horsetail, valerian or chamomile. These plant extracts, true concentrates of benefits for the vine, strengthen the plant's natural defences and contribute to the balance of the terroir, thus promoting healthy and expressive grapes.

The sprayer is therefore an essential link in phytosanitary protection, allowing interventions to be adapted to each situation and the winegrower's objectives. At Château Cazebonne, we strive to use this tool with discernment, favouring gentle methods and natural products, to support our commitment to biodynamics that respect living organisms. To discover the nuances of our work and the expression of our terroir, you can download our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" or test your knowledge via our oenological quizzes, before finding our exceptional wines on our online boutique. It is thanks to the support of enthusiasts that we can continue our approach of promoting the forgotten grape varieties of Bordeaux and produce unique wines that reflect our passion and commitment. Also discover dusting, another treatment technique.