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

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 on grapevine was investigated at transcriptomic level. The dynamic expression of eight defense-related genes was assessed up to 72 hours post treatment. 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 biopesticides activity.