Photorhabdus Action for Grapevine Protectioncore
PhotorActVine · Horizon Europe grant · 2025-09-01–2028-08-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01 · scheme HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF · topic HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01-01. CORDIS record →
Objective
The fanleaf virus nematode, Xiphinema index, is the Grapevine Fanleaf Virus (GFLV) vector, the leading cause of the most severe viral disease in grapevines worldwide. By feeding on the root tips of actively growing grapevines, nematodes can cause a 40% root mass loss, facilitating the acquisition and transmission of GFLV and significantly reducing crop yield —up to 80%— and grape quality. Currently, no direct control methods are available for these intracellular pathogens, so management efforts focus on monitoring and controlling the fanleaf virus nematode using hazardous chemical pesticides. There is an urgent need for innovative control strategies that enhance vector management, mitigate the impact of intracellular pathogens, and improve viticultural sustainability worldwide. The cosmopolitan endosymbiont Photorhabdus (Morganellaceae) bacteria produces a wide range of natural compounds with multiple functions in the soil. PhotorActVine hypothesized that Photorhabdus strains might potentially protect grapevine plants against the fanleaf virus nematode and its global damage while also being capable of colonizing grapevine roots and enhancing the plants' growth and defence mechanisms. PhotorActVine proposes an innovative, ambitious, and feasible project, which includes i) identifying Photorhabdus strains with the highest nematicidal ability, ii) training these bacteria to adapt to grapevine rhizosphere conditions, iii) reducing the damage caused by fanleaf virus nematode and its damage through the application of evolving Photorhabdus strains in the grapevine roots, and iv) identifying the mechanisms involved in the interaction between Photorhabdus and grapevine plants. This multidisciplinary approach will enhance and integrate our understanding of the efficacy and mechanisms of Photorhabdus strains in grapevine protection, contributing to sustainable viticulture and providing insights into the broader application of these novel microbial biocontrol agents.
Beneficiaries (2)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRENTO | IT | coordinator | €250,643 | |
| UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE | CL | associatedPartner | — |
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