Molecular Identification and Antimicrobial Potential of Endophytic Fungi Against Some Grapevine Pathogens

Abstract

AbstractIn the Duhok province of the Kurdistan region, the plant speciesVitis viniferahas been explored as a habitat for diverse endophytic microorganisms across various ecological environments. During the period from 2021 to 2022, a total of 600 samples were collected from four distinct locations: Bagera, Besfke, Barebhar, and Atrush. From these samples, twelve endophytic fungal species were isolated, includingAspergillus flavus, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium ruscicol, Fusarium venenatum, Chaetomium globosum, Clonostachys rosea, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium glabrum, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus, andAspergillus niger. These fungi are recognized for their potential as biocontrol agents against grapevine trunk diseases and grape rotting fungi, which pose significant risks to grapevine health and productivity. Based on ITS and SSU sequencing, molecular identification confirmed these fungi’s presence with sequence identities ranging from 99% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these endophytes could be categorized into five main clusters (A, B, C, D, and E), showing high intra-group similarity. Utilizing the Dual Culture method, the endophytePaecilomyces maximusdemonstrated a 70.83% inhibition rate againstIlyonectria destructans. In the Food Poisoning method,A. flavusandP. maximusemerged as the most effective inhibitors ofIlyonectria destructans, whereasA. terreus, M. racemosus, andP. maximusachieved complete inhibition (100%) ofBotrytis cinerea. Additionally,M. racemosuswas identified as the most effective biocontrol agent againstNeoscytalidium dimidiatum.