Functional and structural microbial diversity in organic and conventional viticulture: organic farming benefits natural biocontrol agents.

ABSTRACT: Statistically significant differences in the structure and function of above-ground grapevine-associated microorganisms from organically and conventionally managed vineyards were found. Aureobasidium pullulans, a copper-detoxifying fungus and biocontrol agent, plays a key role in explaining these differences. The black fungus was strongly enriched in the communities of organically managed plants and yielded a higher indigenous antiphytopathogenic potential.

SUBMITTER: Schmid F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3067324 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature