Combined Metagenomic and Metabolomic Analysis to Evaluate the Comprehensive Effects of Trichoderma and 6PP on Vineyard Ecosystems

Irene Dini, Giada d’Errico, Elisa Troiano, Claudio Gigliotti, Anastasia Vassetti, Daria Lotito, Alessia Staropoli (), Giuseppe Parrella, Francesco P. d’Errico, Matteo Lorito and Francesco Vinale
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Irene Dini: Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy
Giada d’Errico: Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
Elisa Troiano: Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Piazzale E. Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
Claudio Gigliotti: Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Piazzale E. Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
Anastasia Vassetti: Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Piazzale E. Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
Daria Lotito: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino, 1, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
Alessia Staropoli: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino, 1, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
Giuseppe Parrella: Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Piazzale E. Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
Francesco P. d’Errico: Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
Matteo Lorito: Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
Francesco Vinale: Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Piazzale E. Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-19

Abstract: Viticulture is vital to Italy’s agricultural sector, since it significantly contributes to the global wine industry. Microflora and microfauna are considered important factors for soil quality, improving grapevine growth, and promoting resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study examined the impact of selected Trichoderma strains ( T. harzianum M10 and T. afroharzianum T22) and their secondary metabolite 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP) on the soil microbiome, the metabolome, and physiological changes of grapevines. Before treatment application, low levels of plant-parasitic nematodes ( Rotylenchulus spp., Xiphinema pachtaicum ) were found in the soil, together with pathogens ( Fusarium spp., Neonectria spp.) and beneficial microbes ( Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas spp.). Metagenomic analysis revealed significant treatment impacts in the soil microbiome, with T22 and 6PP treatments increasing Proteobacteria abundance, while slight variations of fungal communities and no significant differences in nematofauna were found. Metabolomic analysis showed that treatments induced grapevines to produce antioxidant secondary metabolites able to boost plant defense against abiotic and biotic stresses and increase nutraceutical grapes’ value. Finally, T22 treatment increased the grapes’ winemaking value, raising their Brix grade. Our results demonstrate that microbial or metabolite-based treatments could affect the soil microbiome composition, grapevine health and resilience, and grapes’ oenological and nutraceutical properties.

Keywords: metagenomic analysis; plant growth promotion; biocontrol; metabolomics; secondary metabolites; beneficial microbes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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