Invited by the Delinat Institute we (i.e. Dr A. Klasa, J. Nieswadba and me) went to wine region of Switzerland in vicinity of Sion in Rhine River Valley. Vineyards are growing on very steep slopes of southern exposure and all maintenance jobs are done manually. Planting density ranges from 6,000 to 12,000 plants per hectare and four bunches of grapes on each. The final product is a high quality wines known in Europe sold for good price (from 15 to 60 CHF per bottle).

During our visit at the experimental vineyards belonging to the Institute we have established an experiment at with inoculation of vineyards by four fungal strains. Treated vineyards are grown in an organic system without fertilization, irrigation and without pesticides applications. and we do believe that our mycorrhizal inoculates will bring a lot of beneficial effects for grape-vine and affect wine quality.

The first observations will be performed in the autumn 2010 and we will publish their resuluts on our Website. Enclosed pictures show the site and very nice surroundings.

Włodzimierz Szałański