Drought stress shapes the fungal microbiome of grapevine leaves: insights from DNA metabarcoding

Abstract

Drought stress is an increasingly prevalent environmental challenge with implications for grapevine physiology and productivity, as well as for the microbiomes associated with grapevine tissues. Environmental conditions that impact plant health and development are closely intertwined with the structure and function of their associated microbial communities, creating a dynamic interplay between host and microbiome.

Grapevine leaves are a transient and seasonally variable niche for fungal colonization. The chemical and physiological properties of these tissues, combined with environmental stressors such as drought, demand a high degree of adaptation. Understanding the response of fungal communities to such stresses is essential for managing vineyard ecosystems and ensuring sustainable production under changing climatic conditions.

In this study, we investigated the impact of drought stress on the diversity and composition of fungal communities inhabiting the leaves of grapevine cultivars typical of the Eger wine region in Hungary. Using DNA metabarcoding, we assessed fungal richness, relative abundance, and community composition, with a focus on functional groups relevant to plant health and stress adaptation. Statistical analyses highlighted significant shifts in fungal community structure under drought conditions, providing insights into the ecological resilience and adaptability of these microbiomes.

Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between drought stress and grapevine-associated fungal communities, offering a foundation for exploring potential strategies to support plant resilience through microbiome management.