Characterisation of microbial endophytes from wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris)

While a large number of studies aim at analyzing the microorganisms found in crops, using either a classical microbiology approach or more novel, DNA-based techniques, little is known on the selective forces affecting these microbial communities during the process of domestication or if and how they shaped plant-associated microbes. We are interested in elucidating how domestication has influenced bacteria and fungi colonizing the grapevine endosphere, and how these modifications interfere with plant physiology, growth and health. We isolated microbial endophytes from V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris plants obtained from different areas of Italy and analysed the isolates for important traits related to interaction with the plant host, social behaviour, tolerance to antibiotics and their production, biocontrol. In addition, a DNA-dependent approach was adopted to fingerprint microbial communities in wild grapevine plants and to compare theme to non-domesticated plant. Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (ARISA) was used to assess variability and identity of the non culturable microbial fauna. Both geographical origin and plant genotype were considered. The ability of some of these isolates to colonize domesticated grapevines was investigated to assess their viability for reintroduction in cultivated grapevines.