Funding: University of Massachusetts Faculty research grant
Department of Project: Stockbridge School of Agriculture
This study investigates the impact of agroecology on grape microbiomes, focusing on Vitis riparia and Vitis labrusca in Western Massachusetts. Comparing managed and wild ecosystems, we analyzed bacterial and fungal diversity in soils, roots, leaves, and fruits. Our goals were to assess the effect of agricultural management on microbial communities, identify taxa unique to each system. Findings reveal significantly reduced fungal diversity in managed ecosystems. Unique taxa in both systems suggest management-induced shifts, emphasizing the importance of understanding microbial dynamics for sustainable agriculture.
Results:
https://www.asev-es.org/pdf/2023%20Program%20ASEV-ES%20full%20reduced%20size.pdf
