Evaluation of inter-row cover crops effects on the microbial diversity during Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) maturation

The implementation of inter-row cover crops is considered a promising alternative ecological solution for sustainable agriculture, because they have been proven to be effective in improving soil structure, increasing soil fertility, controlling pests and diseases, enhancing biodiversity and to regulate excessive vine growth. However, the effects of vineyard inter-row cover crops on grape microbial community during maturity period remain unknown. This work used high-throughput sequencing technology in 2021 to investigate the effect of inter-row cover crops on the diversity of grape microbial community during maturity period. First, inter-row cover crops changed the grape microclimate and the diversity and structure of grape microbial community; second, compared with clear tillage, the assembly process of grape microbial community at the grape harvest, and the interactions between species within the microbial community changed; finally, there was a strong correlation between grape microbial species and microclimate factors. Taken together, this work provides important insights into the effects of vineyard inter-row cover crops on the diversity of grape microbial communities during the maturity period, and contributes to improve vineyard management techniques.