Abstract
In the EC at the moment only copper-and sulphur-based products are allowed to control a variety of diseases on different crops. However, it is well-known that these products also have negative side effects on beneficial organisms and the soil. For many years researchers have been looking for alternatives to reduce their use and /or replace them. Bicarbonates have been brought forward for many years. They are present in nature and were used in the past in organic farming. Up to now, in the EC, carbonates have not been included in the list of active substances, which may be used as plant protection products. A good chance exists that this will change in the future, which would open the possibility to apply for the inclusion of potassium hydrogen carbonate in Annex II B of regulation EEC 2091/92. Field trials carried out in 2006 and 2007 in South Tyrol evidenced an interesting efficacy of potassium hydrogen carbonate-based products against apple scab and other diseases, but also phytotoxic side effects emerged.