A systematic map on the effects of pesticides on vineyard-associated microbiota

Abstract: Chemical pesticides are widely used in viticulture to prevent diseases and arthropod
pests, control weeds, and increase yield. These substances, however, can have detrimental
effects on plant- and soil-associated microbiota, which is essential for nutrient cycling and other processes that support crop productivity and quality, as well as ecosystem services. In this work, we developed a systematic map to identify the literature investigating the direct effects of pesticides on vineyard-associated microbiota. A literature search conducted in 2025 across Web of Science, Scopus, and CAB Abstracts retrieved 42 relevant studies following rigorous screening and selection. The number of published papers increased from the 1980s to 2025, with more than half published between 2020 and 2025, most of them originating from Europe. Most studies assessed the impacts of chemical fungicides and herbicides, particularly on soil microbiota. Reported effects varied widely, although negative impacts on structure and growth of microbial populations were most common. In many studies, microbiota effects were not examined as the primary research objective. This systematic map shows that research has expanded only recently but remains geographically concentrated. The findings highlight significant knowledge gaps and emphasize the need for further investigation in this increasingly important field.