Foliar application of Microfighter activates defense genes in grapevine: a preventive strategy against potential diseases

Abstract: The increasing use of biopesticides to make viticulture more sustainable has led to
questions about their mode of action in the field. In this study, the effect of the biopesticide
Microfighter, together with a Zinc-based biostimulant, was investigated at the transcriptomic
level on grapevine. The dynamic expression of eight defense-related genes was assessed up to
72 hours post-treatment. The expression profile of the tested genes showed distinct responses
between both bioproducts in timing and amplitude. A fast response of PR (PR5 and PR11), PAL and SMAT1 genes in both treatments was highlighted, suggesting their possible involvement in priming the plant defense. Moreover, PAL and PR5 genes were identified as potential markers for the biopesticide’s activity.