The
increasing prevalence of fungal resistance to conventional synthetic fungicides
and growing environmental concerns have necessitated the development of
sustainable alternatives for vineyard disease management. Metal-organic
complexes (MOCs) represent a promising class of compounds that combine the
antimicrobial properties of metal ions with the structural versatility of
organic ligands, offering potential solutions for controlling major grapevine
pathogens. This review evaluates the current state of research on MOCs as
alternative fungicides in viticulture, examining their mechanisms of action,
efficacy against common vineyard pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Plasmopara
viticola, and Erysiphe necator, and their environmental impact
compared to traditional fungicides. The synthesis, characterisation, and
application methods of copper-, zinc-, and silver-based MOCs are discussed,
along with their potential for targeted delivery and reduced ecological
footprint. While preliminary studies demonstrate promising antifungal activity
and lower phytotoxicity, challenges remain in terms of stability,
cost-effectiveness, and regulatory approval. This comprehensive analysis
highlights the potential of MOCs to revolutionise sustainable disease
management in viticulture while identifying critical research gaps that must be
addressed for successful commercial implementation.
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