Fungal disease management is of general concern in winegrowing, regardless of environmental certification, the difference being in the authorized products and doses, and each individual's approach, beliefs and experience. Biodynamic agriculture is based on specific principles and concepts: an agricultural operation should be as autonomous as possible by reducing inputs to a strict minimum and using preparations of natural origin. Cosmic aspects also play an important role in disease and pest management, and strongly characterize this type of agriculture.
In biodynamic agriculture, two certification institutions exist and have different specifications: DEMETER and BIODYVIN.
In biodynamic viticulture, the use of synthetic chemical products is not permitted, as in organic agriculture. Only copper and sulphur are authorized to combat downy and powdery mildew. The use of copper is limited to 4 kg/ha/year in organic farming, and to 3 kg/ha/year under the DEMETER biodynamic specifications.