Seasonal dynamics of kiwifruit microbiome: A case study in a KVDS-affected orchard

Summary

This study presents the first temporal assessment of microbial community dynamics in a KVDS-affected kiwifruit orchard in the Lazio Region, examining soil and root endosphere samples across the vegetative season. The authors identified known pathogenic fungi and oomycetes alongside a novel detection of Ralstonia, and demonstrated that microbiome composition shifts between symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were substantial, with temperature fluctuations appearing to play a significant role in disease progression. The findings suggest that seasonal environmental changes, particularly temperature increases, may serve as critical drivers of KVDS symptom manifestation through microbiome restructuring.

Regional applicability

This research addresses a disease constraint in Mediterranean kiwifruit production not currently a major threat to United Kingdom horticulture, where kiwifruit cultivation remains limited. However, the methodological framework for monitoring pathogenic microbial dynamics in relation to environmental triggers may be applicable to temperate fruit cropping systems in the UK facing emerging microbial pressures.

Key measures

Metagenomic characterization of bacterial, fungal, and oomycete communities in soil and root endosphere samples; temporal microbiome composition changes; relative abundance of pathogenic genera (Fusarium, Ilyonectria, Thelonectria, Phytophthora, Pythium, Globisporangium, Ralstonia)

Outcomes reported

The study tracked bacterial, fungal, and oomycete community composition in soil and root endosphere across three time points during the growing season in a KVDS-affected orchard. Microbiome shifts between symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were identified, particularly following temperature increases coinciding with severe disease symptom onset.

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