The endophytic mycota associated with Vitis vinifera in central Spain

This study investigates the diversity of fungal endophytes associated with several varieties of grapevines with differing modes of cultivation in the Madrid region (central Spain). Our goal is to screen for and identify new fungal biocontrol agents against vine diseases, especially those associated with young plants produced in nurseries. A total of 500 fungal strains representing 68 taxa from six locations were isolated and characterised. Differences regarding cultivar and plant part processed were analysed in terms of composition and relative abundance of species. Some of the more frequently isolated strains represented were Acremonium, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Botryotinia, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Gibberella, Nectria, Penicillium, Phoma and Trichoderma species. Botryosphaeria species and Phomopsis viticola were also frequently isolated and may be vine pathogens. Several species of Acremonium, Phoma (P. glomerata) and Chaetomium showed promising antagonistic activity at the laboratory scale.