Endophytic Fusarium spp. affect yield, but can they be a solution for Botrytis control in vineyard production?

Abstract

Vitis vinifera (grapevines) can form mutualistic associations with endophytic fungi. However, to date, there is not much information on the influence of endophytic Fusarium isolates on grapevine growth, oenological characteristics or their capabilities to suppress disease. In the present study, it was demonstrated on two grapevine varieties, in a field experiment, under natural conditions, that three isolates of Fusarium do indeed enter into mutualistic interactions with grapevines. Results indicate a complementary relationship between grape yield and Fusarium colonization. Plants treated with Fusarium isolates not only showed increased yield, but also had fewer losses due to shriveling and also had more robust development under unfavorable weather conditions. Furthermore, treatment with isolates of Fusarium solani and Fusarium subglutinans resulted in significantly lower gray mold incidence at rates of 80%.