Application of antagonistic Metschnikowia strains against Botrytis cinerea in vineyards 

The presence of acetic acid bacteria in wine can lead to the appearance of acetic acid at concentrations above the perception threshold, causing the wine rejection by the consumer. During the winemaking process, avoiding the presence of acetic acid bacteria is very difficult, as there is always a residual population accompanying the wine[1], and the problem arises with the significant development of these microorganisms that metabolizes large amounts of acetic acid.
The concern of wineries to control the presence of acetic acid bacteria in wines during their conservation is due to the absence of simple and effective analyses that allow the detection of these microorganisms in the initial stages.

Sémillon is a cultivated grape variety known for contributing to dry and sweet white wine production. However, only seven approved clones have been officially recognized in France[1]. In this study, we aimed to characterize the genetic diversity and metabolomic profiles of a Sémillon clonal population, shedding light on the potential variations within this important grape variety.

The use of cover crops under the vines might be an alternative to the use of herbicides or tillage, improving grapevine quality and soil characteristics. The aim of this research was to study the implications of different management strategies of the soil under the vines (herbicide, cultivation or cover crops) on grapevine growth, water and nutritional status, gas exchange parameters and belowground microbial communities.
The experimental design consisted in 4 treatments applied on 35L-potted Tempranillo vegetative grapevines with 10 replicates each grown in an open-top greenhouse in 2022 and 2023. Treatments included two cover crop species (Trifolium fragiferum and Bromus repens), herbicide (glyphosate al 36%) and an untreated control.

In the production of sparkling wines, during the second fermentation, mannoproteins are released by yeast autolysis, which affect the quality of the wines. The effect of mannoproteins has been extensively studied, and may affect aroma and foam quality. However, there are no studies on the effect of other polysaccharides such as those from grapes. Considering the large production of waste from the wine industry, it was proposed to obtain polysaccharide-rich extracts from some of these by-products[1].

The fungicidal effect of UV-C radiation (100-280 nm wavelength) is well known, but its applicability for the control of pathogenic molds of grapes is conditioned by its effect on the host and by the risks inherent in its handling[1].
As an alternative, the effect in vitro of UV-B radiation (280-315 nm) on the main pathogenic molds of grapes has been studied: Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum and Rhizopus stolonifer.