VITIBIRD

The impact of pesticides on biodiversity and health is widely debated, particularly in wine-growing agro-ecosystems where pesticides are massively used. It is precisely the impacts of the main pesticides used in vineyards (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides) on vertebrate bioindicators of these agro-ecosystems which the VITIBIRD project aims to study. It also aims to determine whether specific agricultural and landscape practices can reduce any impacts by providing alternative habitats and reducing exposure to pesticides. VITIBIRD will rely on original and robust methodologies (national sampling plan, historical and long-term monitoring of bird populations, BACCHUS experimental site, renowned chemical and biological analysis laboratories, and experimental infrastructures). Firstly, we will set up innovative tools to measure the degree of contamination of vertebrates, living in wine-growing areas, by several pesticides. Using the BACCHUS experimental landscape system, we will examine the impact of agricultural practices and landscape complexity on this degree of contamination. Secondly, using historical monitoring, we will assess the evolution of avian biodiversity and bird populations in vineyards over the last 30 years. We will determine which species have declined the most during this period, and we will identify the characteristics that make species sensitive to farming practices. Using the BACCHUS scheme, we will test the impact of landscape and farming practices on biodiversity and bird demography. Thirdly, we will examine the relationships that exist between farming practices, landscape complexity and bird health, focusing particularly on physiological systems, which are essential to the proper functioning of the organism (hormonal axes, metabolism), and on the molecular damage that can be caused by pesticides. Using field and captive experiments, we will test the impact of the pesticides most commonly found in wild birds on these physiological systems (endocrine disruption, metabolism) and on these damages (oxidative stress, telomere erosion). Finally, we will evaluate the ecosystem services provided by birds in vineyards (pest control). We will use experimental approaches to measure trophic interactions between different bird species, grapevine pests and other invertebrate pest predators. Using the BACCHUS system, we will test the impact of farming practices and landscape complexity on the ecosystem services provided by birds and on the biological control of grapevine pests. VITIBIRD will rely on the complementary expertise of several research teams and institutes (CNRS, INRAE, MNHN, Universities) in ecotoxicology, agroecology, ecophysiology and conservation biology. This project has the potential to have a huge impact on the greatest number of people (scientists, students, media, managers) because it is based on a transdisciplinary approach and involves many stakeholders (scientists, students, communities, volunteers, associations, wine-growing professionals). In conclusion, VITIBIRD will improve our knowledge on (1) the transfer of pesticides into the environment, (2) the impact of pesticides and farming practices on biodiversity and health, and (3) the socio-economic benefits rendered by biodiversity in vineyards. Through the consortium's connections with multiple educational, socio-professional and decision-making bodies, this project should make it possible to provide advice and opinions to improve the management of the wine-growing environment.