Objectives and Content

MiDiVine project aimed at developing knowledge, tools and integrated approaches based on grapevine genetic resources and agricultural practices promoting functional microbial diversity (FMD) to better improve grapevine production and resistance against the main foliar and trunk diseases (grey mold, downy mildew and esca) under drought stress conditions. The project will focus on the characterization of FMD and the identification of beneficial microbes from traditional cultivated/elite with different practices and indigenous vines for improving grapevine health and productivity in open vineyards under water shortage conditions. MiDiVine project will analyze the impact of plant genotype, soil type and agricultural practices, including the use of covers and service plants, on FMD and beneficial microbes against diseases under stress conditions. In addition, the environmental footprint for each of the proposed practices will be determined (e.g. C sequestration due to cover crops and reduced tillage). The proposal will therefore provide innovative and sustainable solution to improve agroecosystem services by managing soil microbiome and intercropping in Mediterranean countries in order to reduce dependency on agro-chemical pesticides in vineyards.