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Photorhabdus Action for Grapevine Protection

Project description

Bacteria-based solution to save grapevines

Grapevine Fanleaf Virus (GFLV) is the most damaging viral disease affecting vineyards worldwide, which is spread by the tiny nematode Xiphinema index. Feeding on grapevine roots, these pests cause up to 40 % root loss, slashing crop yields by as much as 80 % and harming grape quality. Current control relies heavily on toxic pesticides, which pose environmental risks and fail to target the virus directly. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PhotorActVine project explores the use of Photorhabdus bacteria, natural soil dwellers known for their nematicidal properties. Researchers aim to adapt these bacteria to protect grapevines by reducing nematode damage, thereby enhancing plant defences. This approach could reduce reliance on harmful chemicals while safeguarding grape production globally.

Objective

The fanleaf virus nematode, Xiphinema index, is the Grapevine Fanleaf Virus (GFLV) vector, the leading cause of the most severe viral disease in grapevines worldwide. By feeding on the root tips of actively growing grapevines, nematodes can cause a 40% root mass loss, facilitating the acquisition and transmission of GFLV and significantly reducing crop yield —up to 80%— and grape quality. Currently, no direct control methods are available for these intracellular pathogens, so management efforts focus on monitoring and controlling the fanleaf virus nematode using hazardous chemical pesticides. There is an urgent need for innovative control strategies that enhance vector management, mitigate the impact of intracellular pathogens, and improve viticultural sustainability worldwide. The cosmopolitan endosymbiont Photorhabdus (Morganellaceae) bacteria produces a wide range of natural compounds with multiple functions in the soil. PhotorActVine hypothesized that Photorhabdus strains might potentially protect grapevine plants against the fanleaf virus nematode and its global damage while also being capable of colonizing grapevine roots and enhancing the plants' growth and defence mechanisms. PhotorActVine proposes an innovative, ambitious, and feasible project, which includes i) identifying Photorhabdus strains with the highest nematicidal ability, ii) training these bacteria to adapt to grapevine rhizosphere conditions, iii) reducing the damage caused by fanleaf virus nematode and its damage through the application of evolving Photorhabdus strains in the grapevine roots, and iv) identifying the mechanisms involved in the interaction between Photorhabdus and grapevine plants. This multidisciplinary approach will enhance and integrate our understanding of the efficacy and mechanisms of Photorhabdus strains in grapevine protection, contributing to sustainable viticulture and providing insights into the broader application of these novel microbial biocontrol agents.

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Topic(s)

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRENTO
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 250 643,40
Address
VIA CALEPINA 14
38122 Trento
Italy

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Region
Nord-Est Provincia Autonoma di Trento Trento
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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