Characterization of Trichoderma harzianum T39-induced resistance of grapevine against downy mildew

Abstract: Downy mildew is one of the most destructive grapevine diseases and its control isbased on the application of fungicides. There is increasing interest to reduce reliance onpesticides for disease control in viticulture and to focus on alternative methods, such asbiocontrol agents. In grapevine, Trichoderma harzianum T39 (T39) activates a plant-mediatedresistance and significantly reduces downy mildew symptoms. Our aim is to characterize themolecular mechanisms activated by T39 in grapevine, in order to identify genes associated withthe induced resistance against Plasmopara viticola.