France clears AXPERA biocontrol

France has granted a 120-day emergency approval for AXPERA, giving winegrowers a new tool against downy mildew in 2026. The biocontrol product can now be used during peak spray months while regulators consider full approval.

The authorisation, issued by the French Ministry of Agriculture following industry requests, runs from May to August. It follows a similar 2025 approval and comes as regulators near a final decision on permanent use.

AXPERA stands out for how it works. Rather than acting as a conventional fungicide, it uses compounds derived from amoeba to both disrupt the pathogen and stimulate the vine’s natural defences through Induced Systemic Resistance. This dual mode reduces infection pressure while priming the plant to resist disease.

In practice, AXPERA is designed for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes. It is used preventatively and in rotation, helping growers lower reliance on copper and reduce resistance risks linked to single-site chemistry.

With mildew pressure rising and copper restrictions tightening, AXPERA offers a timely addition. While not a standalone solution, it fits neatly into modern spray programmes, bridging the gap between traditional chemistry and next-generation biological control.