Biological protection of grapevine pruning wounds: Training system design and mycobiome dynamics

Blanca García‐García; Laura Méndez‐Grano de Oro; María José Dorado‐Rico; Laura Martin

doi:10.1002/ps.70804

journal article Apr 10, 2026

Biological protection of grapevine pruning wounds: Training system design and mycobiome dynamics

Blanca García‐García

Laura Méndez‐Grano de Oro

María José Dorado‐Rico

Laura Martin

Pest Management Science · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/ps.70804

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTD) lead to progressive vine decline and are a major threat to viticulture sustainability worldwide. GTD can involve multiple fungal species, with
Phaeomoniella chlamydospora
being one of the most prevalent pathogens. Pruning wounds are the primary entry point for wood‐inhabiting fungi. This study assesses the effectiveness of the biological control agent (BCA)
Trichoderma atroviride
strain SC1 in preventing natural GTD pathogen infections across three vineyard training systems.

RESULTS

Trichoderma
recovery was significantly lowest (48.1%) in the double‐cordon training system (V3) and consistently higher (71.9%) in the head/spur system (V1). The treatment reduced GTD infection by 3.75%, and disease control declined markedly 1 year after application (61.1%) compared with ≤90 days post‐treatment (92.6%). The controlled assay including culture‐dependent and culture‐independent approaches (high‐throughput sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction) revealed distinct detection patterns: culture methods favoured fast‐growing fungi such as
Trichoderma
, whereas molecular tools enabled the detection of slower‐growing taxa like
P
.
chlamydospora
.
T
.
atroviride
colonised wood up to 1–2 cm from the application point, whereas
P
.
chlamydospora
spread up to 5 cm. Overall, the pathogen had a stronger impact on wood mycobiome than the BCA, supporting the compatibility of
Trichoderma
with the resident grapevine microbiome.

CONCLUSION
These findings provide new insights into the integration of BCAs within vineyard GTD management strategies and contribute to the broader transition towards sustainable viticulture and integrated pest management. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

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Published: Apr 10, 2026
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Authors

B

Blanca García‐García

Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX), Instituto de Investigaciones Agrarias Finca La Orden – Valdesequera, Área de Protección Vegetal Badajoz Spain

L

Laura Méndez‐Grano de Oro

Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX), Instituto de Investigaciones Agrarias Finca La Orden – Valdesequera, Área de Protección Vegetal Badajoz Spain

M

María José Dorado‐Rico

Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX), Instituto de Investigaciones Agrarias Finca La Orden – Valdesequera, Área de Protección Vegetal Badajoz Spain

L

Laura Martin

Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX), Instituto de Investigaciones Agrarias Finca La Orden – Valdesequera, Área de Protección Vegetal Badajoz Spain

Funding

European Regional Development Fund

Agencia Estatal de Investigación

Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria

Junta de Extremadura

Cite This Article

Blanca García‐García, Laura Méndez‐Grano de Oro, María José Dorado‐Rico, et al. (2026). Biological protection of grapevine pruning wounds: Training system design and mycobiome dynamics. Pest Management Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70804

Biological protection of grapevine pruning wounds: Training system design and mycobiome dynamics

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