Validation of a representative sampling protocol for studying grape berry microbiota at the plot scale

In viticulture, a comprehensive understanding of the grape microbiota is crucial, as it influences various aspects of the winemaking process, from vine health and grape development to fermentation dynamics and the final sensory profile of the wine. Monitoring these communities helps optimize vineyard practices and ensure product authenticity. Metagenetics is a fast culture-independent approach that allows identification of the microorganisms present in grape berries' microbiota at the genus or species level. In this context, it is crucial to assess the quality of sampling methods in terms of their representativeness of the diversity of microbial communities on grape berries at the plot level. In this study, the microbiota of the variety Artaban was examined. This variety is resistant to powdery mildew and tolerant to downy mildew. Two sampling methods for studying microbiota were investigated by forming two groups: one that pooled the microbiota of 10 vines, and another that studied the microbiota of each vine separately.