AU607441B2 - Process for fertilisation of vineyards - Google Patents

Description

t-uLji.iuN tor ana on oenait ot the Applicant).

Davies Collison, Melbourne and Canberra.

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t AUSTRALIA 607441 A US TRALI A COMMONWEALTH OF PATENT ACT 1952 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE CLASS INT. CLASS Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: o Priority:

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00 4 8 V to 40 0 o Related Art: This document contains the amendments made under Section 49 and is correct for printing.

NAME OF APPLICANT: BIOCHEMIE GESELLSCHAFT m.b.H.

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ADDRESS OF APPLICANT: A-6250 Kundl, Austria.

£4 NAME(S) OF INVENTOR(S) Stefan NASCHBERGER a 0 ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON, Patent Attorneys 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000.

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED: "PROCESS FOR FERTILISATION OF VINEYARDS" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us 4fl 4 1A 970-9750 Process of fertilization of vineyards The invention relates to a process for the fertilization of vineyards using a fertilizer consisting of fungal biomass. This process can also be used on problem soils, increases the yield and sugar content of grapes and also reduces the frequency of chlorosis.

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Vineyards are often on problem sites, so that the correct fertilization is often problematic. The appearance of nutrient deficiencies or the effects of over-fertilization are frequently 10 observed. In particular, soils with high pH values, compacted or encrusted underground are sensitive. Such sites may even temporarily suffer from excess water, so that when there is a rich supply of nitrogen the plant poison ammonia can be formed.

In addition, in such soils the nutrient ions can be locked up 15 and these excess concentrations consequently lead to burning of the roots. At some sites, in spite of a high proportion of gravel, clogging occurs in the uppermost layer of soil due to gelatinous silicic acid. In this case also, there are often similar problems to those above. An excess of nitrogen in the 20 soil solution occurs more frequently after mineral fertilization than after using suitable organic fertilizers. There are occasionally also problems after adding large amounts of stable manure; since part of the nitrogen exists in water-soluble form, the causes may be the same. It is therefore obvious that the highest standards of fertilizer are required by grapevines.

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a a ~t r 0 a a 0 a 1 0 0 0 a 0 0 4 2 970-9750 organic fertilizers which contain the nitrogen exclusively in bound form correspond mostly to this requirement. For favourable activity, mineralisation should not occur too slowly, in order that there is sufficient activity in the initial phase of vegetation. A C/N ratio of less than 10, as well as easy decomposability of the C-compounds, is therefore necessary (the term C/N ratio relates to the weight ratio of organically bound carbon to organically bound nitrogen). Only in this way is the desired stimulation of micro-organisms and small animals in the 10 soil achieved. Hygienic acceptability and an absence of heavy metals and other harmful materials are further prerequisites for a viniculture fertilizer.

Fertilization in viniculture is generally a difficult task. On the one hand, the extraction of nutrient by the grapes at 8 kg N1100 H1 is extremely low, and on the other hand, in the spring the vine requires sufficient N-content in the soil solution for vigorous growth.

Dried fungus mycelium i.e. the fungal bio-mass which is obtained by drying fungal mycelium biomass of the penicillin chrysogenum, was used as a feed additive for tens of years. It was indeed found to be suitable as a feed, but it was not established as having special properties which were superior to those of competitive products (protein feed). The dried fungal mycelium of the Penicillium chrysogenum has the following composition are by weight): I4 PA4,

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3 970-9750 Dry substance 95 organic substance at least 70 nitrogen org. bound P205

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2 0 CaO MgO Trace elements and vitamins This analysis is typical of a product which has been supplemented with potash and magnesium. The corresponding K 2 0 and MgO 2 values in the natural product are 1.2% and 0.25%. OVer all, the analysis values are subject to the usual variations typical with organic fertilizers. This fungal mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum, supplemented with a potassium magnesium fertilizer, has already proved to be best on problem t b, soils. By regular use of such a fertilizer in accordance with the process protected in "T-PS 381.927, long-lasting re-greening Se.g. of high altitude ski pistes is possible.

By promoting the activity of micro-organisms, the new formation of humus and the physical properties of the soil are simultaneously improved, nitrogen being released through mineralisation only as a secondary process. The nitrogen activity is substantially synchronous with the needs of the plants. A temporary excess of nitrogen, as occurs with the conventional watersoluble mineral fertilizers, need not be feared.

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Thus, one of the causes of increased susceptibility to chlorosis is already eliminated. In some cases, by using the fungal biomass fertilizer, nitrogen which occurs naturally in the soil is even bound temporarily by the activated micro-organisms.

It has now been found that the fungal mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum is appropriate for the fertilization of vineyards. The invention therefor relates to a process for increasing the yield and sugar S content of grapes in a vineyard characterized in that a fertilizer is applied to the vineyard comprising a dried 10 1 fungal mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum. A limited amount of an inorganic potassium magnesium fertilizer(e.g.

potassium magnesium sulphate fertilizer), may be added to increase the K20 and MgO values. Such an enriched product comprises for use in the process of the invention from 85 to 15 95%, for example 90% by weight of dry fungal mycelium and from to 15%, for example 10% by weight of a potassium magnesium fertilizer.

The application rate is dependent on various factors, including the soil quality. In general satisfactory results will be obtained when applying from 300 kg to 1000 kg of the optionally enriched fertilizer per hectare vineyard and per year.

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4; The analytical criteria which are necessary for a fertilizer that is suitable for viniculture were determined by the following tests:

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i- c;rr -970-9750 The abbreviation DS Standing for "Dry Substance",.percentages are by weight.

Micro-biological examinations: Total germ count Salmonellal Sulphite-reducing clostridia 22,500/g, 1000 of which bacilli not evident in 5 x 20 g less than *0 @0 S 0 0 00 0 0 0000 o 00 00 0 0000 0000 0 0 0 00 00 0 0 00 00 0 0 0 000 00 0 0 00 0 000000 0 0 0 000000 0 00.00 000 The results of the micro-biological exmntosdid not gv any indication of hygienic inacceptability.

Penicillin determination using agar diffusion test: 10 Test organism: Detection limit: Result: Bacillus stearothermophilus 0.02 yig/g Penicillinase-sens itive penicillin not evident Heavy metal contents Ni Cr Pb Cd Hg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg 10 7.3 13 0.2 0.011

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a 1~ Ii ii; ~n~iti- :il i i -1 -6 970-9750 Value-determining components Water content Org. substance N (Kjeldahl) Acid-soluble: in the DS in the DS 4.4 79.6 6.23 a ao a 00 Gooo 0 00 0 00 0o 0 000.

0000 oop 0a Go 0 0 f o« o 00 O 0 0* 0 6 0 a a 0a a o 000* P205

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2 0% DS Mg DS Ca DS 10 Fe mg/kg DS Mn mg/kg DS Cu mg/kg DS Zn mg/kg DS Co mg/kg DS 15 B total contents mg/kg DS Mo mg/kg DS 1.8 4.4 1.2 3.7 420 26 17 61 5.7 8.4 0.63 All 1 Plant tolerance: A plant tolerance test carried out with garden cress shows that a fungal bio-mass fertilizer mixed to a quantity of 1% to a substrate (standard mixture) causes no damage to the plants.

The C/N ratio is ca. The results of this analysis illustrate the ecological acceptability and the high content of valuable a:l k

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components. From the results of the plant tolerance tests,it can be concluded that over-fertilization is almost impossible.

According to analytical criteria, the fertilizer has the necesgary requirements for viniculture.

Moreover, the effect on the quality of the grapes and of the wine is of importance. While increases in quantity are mostly a question of the supply of nitrogen, a noticeable increase in quality using mineral fertilizers requires exact knowledge of the biological, chemical and physical properties of the soil.

10 Distribution of the fertilizer in several parts would be necessary. As well as the problem of offering major nutrients which are fit for the plants, a balanced supply of trace elements is an especially difficult task..

En a fertilizer based on fungal mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum, the macro-elements, especially nitrogen, are supplied optimally by satisfactory release to the plants, and the addition of fertilizer does not have to be divided up. The micro-nutrients are contained at least in minimum quantities, so that on soils having normal constituents there should not be a deficiency of trace elements.

As is known, various micro-organisms in the soil are capable of additionally activating trace nutrients, so that a fertilizer which promotes life in the soil also effects an improvement in the supply of nutrients in this roundabout way. A fungal bio-mass fertilizer is therefore simpler to handle, and the danger of a deficiency of fertilizer is considerably reduced.

Insofar as the total amount used can be given in one application,

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8 970-9750 there are advantages regarding efficiency of work.

In the following example, the advantageous effect of fertilization with fungal mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum is shown.

Example: Test in the vine culture area Tattendorf, gravelly soil with marked chalk crusts and "clay" layers at deeper levels, pH value 7.8 to 8.4. Grape cultivar Blue Portuguese.

Quality and quantity data (condition of stock, grape yi.eld, quality of must) DO 00 o o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000 0000 Q 0 0000 o oa 00 0 10 000 o 00 0 0 00 0 o 0 d* 0 0 min Bisl nill plot fert.(1 Biosol® Year 1985 1985 1986 1986 1985 1985 1986 Date(day/month 23.9 5.10 15.9 15.9 23.9 5.10 15.9 Ochsler degree 80.0 76 75.5 95.0 88

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0 16.0 16.3 15.6 15.5 17.0 19.1 17.9 total sugar 168 190.1 182 174.6 194 211.2 213 titratable acid 151 140 133 123.5 tartaric acid 11.3 10.5 8.3 9.5 10.0 9.3 7.4 pH 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.2 N 0.71 0.98 0.39 0.33 0.89 1.04 0.48 yield (kg/stock) 2.72 3.0 3.40 3.37 4.10 chlorosis 10.0 10.6 11.8 12 6.1 Mineral fertilizer Klosterneuburger Mostwaagengrad(Klosterneuburger must-scale degree), a parameter for the sugar content Notes on quantities applied S9 970-9750 Biosol (Rkg/ha): 1985: 800 (48 N, 12 P 2 0 5 28 K 2 0) 1986: 600 (36 N, 9 P 2 0 5 21 K 2 0) 1987: 500 (30 N, 7.5 P 2 0 5 17.5 K 2 0) Mineral fertilizer 1986: 450 NAC (117 100 Triple (kg/ha) phosphat (45 P 2 0 5 300Patentkali (110 o 00 o The fertilizers were added in one o application in early spring.

(NAC, Triplephosphat and Patentkali are brand names for three different fertilizers).

Preparation of Biosol® 0o Bioso is a side product of penicillin fermentation. The usual 0 00f fermentation raw materials such as soyflour, saccharose, lactose, trace elements and vitamins are stirred with water, a sterilised and inoculated with the fungal strain Penicillium 0 chrysogenum. During fermentation, the nutrients are converted into fungal biomass. At the time of the harvest the wet fungal biomass is separated by filtration from the liquid, penicillincontaining phase and dried during 4 to 6 hours at 130 to 150 0

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The dried fungal biomass is enriched with 10% of a potassium magnesium sulphate fertilizer (Patentkali) and packed in bags as ready-for-use fertilizer.* A 10 970-9750 90 0 o 0 o Se 90 0 0 4 o e S* 0'

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op o o o 00 6 gl 6 ft .006656 o0.4 fe 0 l< Compositions Biosol© comprises the following Water content Organic material in the DS) N(Kjeldahl) in the DS P 0 DS 2 5 K 0 DS Mg DS Ca DS Fe mg/kg DS Mn mg/kg DS Cu mg/kg DS Zn mg/kg DS Co mg/kg DS B total contents mg/kg DS Mo mg/kg DS value determining components: 4.4 79.6 6.23 1.8 4.4 1.2 3.7 420.- 26.- 17.- 61.- 5.7 8.4 0.63 The plant an amount tolerance test shows that Biosofl when admixed up to of 1% with a plant substrate does not damage plants.

The results are surprising in many respects. Especially notable is the increase in quantity and quality due to the fungal biomass fertilizer. The yield of the Blue Portuguese in the first year already exceeded that of the unfertilized control plot by 23%. The quality was also remarkably higher, the Klosterneuburger must values (KMW°) at the end of the sample and main harvest (25.9, 5.10) were 6% and resp. 7% higher than 1~ I.1; 1$ 4 4.

11 970-9750 the values of the control plot, and the total sugar content was 16% and resp. 11% higher.

The sample harvest 1986 (15.9.1986) confirmed that of the previous year, the KMWO was improved by 15%, the, suqar, content.

by 17% and the grape yield by 37%. The fungal mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum thus brought both considerably increases in quality and considerable increases in quantity.

Whilst the mineral fertilizer did bring an increase in yield of about 13% over the nill (control) plot, such increase

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was only one third of the increase attained after fertilizing with the fungal bio-mass fertilizer. The mineral fertilizer had a rather negative effect on quality. The sugar values are 21% less than the sugar content after fertilizing with the fungal C bio-mass. Equally good values to those obtained after applying 15 the fungal bio-mass fertilizer would only be possible by applying the fertilizer in several portions. However, shortterm boosts of nutrient can even then not be exczuded.

The differences are even more significant given the fact -i.'t 117 kg N/ha was added with the mineral fertilizer and only 36 kg N/ha was added with the organic fertilizer. The frequency of chlorosis in the second year is also favourably influenced, with 6.1% being considerably less then comparable values of the remaining variants.

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Claims (6)

1. A process for increasing the yield and sugar content of grapes in a vineyard characterized in that a fertilizer is applied to the vineyard comprising a dried fungal mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum.

2. A process according to Claim 1 characterized in that the fertilizer is applied to the vineyard at a rate of 300-1,000 kg/hectare per year.

3. A process according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterized in that the fertilizer consists of 85-95% by weight of dried fungal mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum and 5-15% by weight of an inorganic potassium magnesium fertilizer.

4. A process according to Claim 3 characterized in that the fertilizer contains at least 70 by weight of organic material, with the proviso that the content of organically bound nitrogen is about 5.5% by weight, ,t phosphorus pentoxide is about 1.5% by weight, potassium oxide is about 3.5% by weight, calcium oxide is about by weight and magnesium oxide is about 1.5% by weight.

A process according to Claim 3 or Claim 4 characterized in that the fertilizer contains on a dry t' weight basis about 79.6% organic material, 6.23% nitrogen, 1.8% phosphorus pentoxide, 4.4% potassium oxide, 1.2% magnesium and 3.7% calcium.

6. A process substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Example. DATED this 18th day of June, 1990 BIOCHEMIE GESELLSCHAFT m.b.H. By Its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON 900618,dblet.003,dbl185265.spe.12