BioVitis - Grapevine Pathology

Our new preprint is out!

We present a comparative genomic analysis of 12 Cadophora luteo-olivacea isolates from diverse hosts and environments. Most strains shared a conserved genomic backbone, but we also found clear strain-level variation in transposable elements, plant-colonizing ability, melanization, and host miRNA responses.

One isolate, CBS 266.93, was markedly divergent and clustered sister to Cadophora malorum, suggesting that its taxonomic placement should be reassessed.

Preprint: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.04.07.716880

📢 Now officially published in its final version in Microbiology Ecology!

Our review explores a new way of understanding grapevine esca, moving beyond pathogen-centered models towards a pathobiome paradigm, where disease emerges from interactions between the plant, its microbiome, and the environment.

A step forward to better understand one of the most complex trunk diseases in viticulture.

🔗 [https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiag028]

What if we’ve been looking at esca the wrong way for decades?

Instead of a disease caused by a few pathogens, esca may actually be the result of a destabilized grapevine holobiont, where microbes, plant physiology, and environmental stress interact over time.

In our new Review published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology, we explore this idea through the pathobiome paradigm, integrating insights from microbiome research, vascular biology, and multi-omics studies.

This perspective could help explain the unpredictable nature of esca and open new directions for early detection, microbiome-informed biocontrol, and resilient vineyard management under climate change.

Many thanks to all colleagues whose work has helped shape this field, to the reviewers for their valuable feedback, and to the grapevine trunk disease research community for continuing to push this research forward.

Beyond Koch’s postulates: The pathobiome paradigm in grapevine esca disease
David Gramaje & Ales Eichmeier

🔬 Which genetic markers really matter for identifying trunk disease fungi?

A new international study with BIOVITIS–ICVV shows that ITS is often not enough and highlights key loci (tef1, tub2, his3) for accurate identification of fungi affecting grapevine and other woody crops.

📄 Phytopathologia Mediterranea (2025)
🔗 https://doi.org/10.36253/phyto-16857

🌟 Exciting News! Our Article is the Most Read & Cited in Phytobiomes Journal in 2024! 🌟

We are thrilled to share that our article by Catarina da cunha Maia Leal et al., "Establishment of Biocontrol Agents and Their Impact on Rhizosphere Microbiome and Induced Grapevine Defenses Are Highly Soil-Dependent," has been recognized as the most read and cited paper of 2024 in Phytobiomes Journal! 🎉

In this study, we explored the impact of two biocontrol agents, Trichoderma atroviride SC1 and Bacillus subtilis PTA-271, on the grapevine rhizosphere microbiome and plant defense responses. Our findings emphasize the complex relationships within the soil microbiome and highlight the crucial role of soil physicochemical properties in shaping microbial dynamics and biocontrol agent establishment.

This recognition reflects the growing interest in sustainable disease management strategies and reinforces the importance of considering multiple environmental factors when applying biological control solutions in viticulture.

A huge thank you to Phytobiomes Journal and to all colleagues who have read, cited, and engaged with our research. Your support and interest drive us to continue advancing knowledge in this field!

📖 Read our article here: https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PBIOMES-08-23-0077-R

We are very glad to see that our Research article “Evaluating Treatments for the Protection of Grapevine Pruning Wounds from Natural Infections by Trunk Disease Fungi” was selected as the Plant Disease Editor’s Pick!!! 😍
The American Phytopathological Society

Our paper is out in PLANT DISEASE
'Evaluating Treatments for the Protection of Pruning Wounds from Natural Infection by Trunk Disease' | The American Phytopathological Society

🍇 Exciting News from Our Latest Research on Biological Control of Grapevine Diseases! 🌱

Our team is thrilled to share our recent publication by Catarina da cunha Maia Leal et al. in the Phytobiomes Journal:

Study Highlights:

> We explored the effects of biocontrol agents, specifically Trichoderma atroviride SC1 and Bacillus subtilis PTA-271, on the grapevine rhizosphere's microbial community.

> Key findings reveal that while fungal diversity was impacted negatively by Trichoderma atroviride SC1, bacterial diversity remained stable across treatments. The dynamics of these microbial communities were influenced significantly by soil type and other environmental factors.

> Notably, the application of these biocontrol agents led to complex interactions within microbial communities, particularly in fungal networks, which showed enhanced complexity and stability in soils treated with Trichoderma atroviride SC1.

This research underscores the intricate relationships among soil microorganisms and stresses the importance of considering various ecological factors when applying biocontrol strategies.

We invite our peers, collaborators, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and phytopathology to delve into our findings for deeper insights.

🔗 [Read the full article here]
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PBIOMES-08-23-0077-R

NEW PUBLICATION!
Our chapter presents the state of the art in grapevine protection to reduce pesticide use in viticulture and explores various alternative sustainable management strategies aimed to effectively control grapevine diseases triggered by fungi and oomycetes in nurseries, young and mature vineyards.

Our book Chapter is now available through this link:
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1ix4rErDqaK09

🌱 Exciting news! We've kicked off our trials for the innovative European project VITRES - VITiculture RESilient in the POCTEFA territory! Stay tuned for updates on our journey towards resilient viticulture! 🍇