Location matters: A geospatial analysis of fungus-resistant grapes in Switzerland
OPEN ACCESS
Loading...
Author / Producer
Date
2025-10
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
Context Viticulture is one of the most economically relevant but also pesticide-intensive agricultural sectors, with negative impacts on human health and the environment. Fungus-resistant grape varieties can reduce fungicide use in viticulture by about 80 %. Objective Achieving effective and efficient pesticide risk reductions requires not only that these varieties are increasingly planted but also that they are planted at the right place. This study provides the first assessment of the geospatial distribution of fungus-resistant varieties. Methods Using detailed plot-level data (N = 19,385) from the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, we investigate whether these varieties are more likely planted on plots of concern for pesticide exposure to human health (e.g. densely populated areas) and/or the environment (e.g. in or close to specific ecosystems). Results and conclusions Our results suggest that fungus-resistant grape varieties are more likely planted near densely populated residential areas and lakes, thus reducing pesticide exposure to humans and lower pesticide run-off into water bodies. However, we do not find that fungus-resistant varieties are more likely planted in other areas of concern such as protected water zones, near rivers or near public hiking paths. We provide policy recommendations on how to promote improved spatial allocation, i.e. that the planting of fungus-resistant varieties is promoted, especially in critical areas. Significance This study highlights the relevance of the spatial distribution of fungus-resistant grape varieties to reduce pesticide risk exposure in viticulture, which accounts for a significant share of pesticide use in agriculture overall. Reducing pesticide exposure risks to human health and the environment is an explicit policy goal. This study underscores the need to promote the broader planting of fungus-resistant varieties and implement targeted policies for their strategic placement in critical areas, thereby minimizing pesticide exposure risks for human health and the environment.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
229
Pages / Article No.
104422
Publisher
Elsevier
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Pesticide; Risk reduction; GIS; Agricultural policy; Viticulture
Organisational unit
09564 - Finger, Robert / Finger, Robert
Notes
Funding
193762 - Evidence-based Transformation in Pesticide Governance (SNF)
Related publications and datasets
Is supplemented by: https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000739846