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By: José Luis Padilla Agudelo, Eco2Wine doctoral candidate

There is something almost poetic about standing in a vineyard, surrounded by rows of vines that stretch toward the horizon, their leaves rustling in the breeze. I have always appreciated the controlled precision of lab work—where bacteria and yeast grow in sterile Petri dishes, their interactions studied under microscopes. But it wasn’t until I walked through the vineyards of La Rioja, Spain, and later among the sunlit fields of Reinecke Wines in South Africa, that I truly understood the impact of my research. Seeing how these microorganisms interact with grapevines in real-world conditions made me realize that biocontrol – introducing natural enemies to control disease – isn’t just a scientific pursuit, it is a bridge between nature and sustainable winemaking.

From discovery to focus

At the beginning of this project, my focus was broad. I aimed to identify and characterise microorganisms that I could isolate from different vine tissues across vineyards in Spain and Italy. I wanted to explore their diversity, to map out their potential as biocontrol agents, and understand how they interact with pathogens. However, as I analyzed their antagonistic activity in both lab and greenhouse conditions, my supervisors encouraged me to refine my approach. Instead of casting a wide net, I began concentrating only on the most promising bacterial and yeast strains—those that showed the strongest potential for controlling fungal diseases. This shift allowed me to go deeper, to move beyond identification and toward uncovering the specific mechanisms driving their biocontrol properties.

Unraveling the mystery of biocontrol

Understanding how these microorganisms suppress phytopathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea) has been one of my greatest challenges. The interactions are complex, involving biochemical signals, metabolic exchanges, and intricate molecular processes that I am still working to piece together. Identifying the specific molecules responsible for these effects has proven difficult, requiring specialized techniques and advanced equipment. The process has been far from straightforward, but the challenge itself has been a source of motivation. Each new piece of data, each promising candidate molecule, brings me closer to uncovering the mechanisms that could one day reduce reliance on chemical fungicides in vineyards.

Learning through people

This journey has taken me far beyond microbiology. Delving into biocontrol mechanisms has introduced me to techniques from molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and plant pathology—fields I had never imagined myself working in before. More importantly, it has introduced me to incredible people. Science is often thought of as a solitary pursuit, but I have come to realize that progress depends on collaboration. I have met researchers who have generously shared their expertise, technicians who have guided me through complex methodologies, and mentors who have challenged me to think more critically. These human connections have shaped my experience as much as the research itself.

The complexity of sustainable winemaking

If only more people knew how intricate and ever-changing the process of winemaking truly is. It isn’t just about harvesting grapes and fermenting juice—it is a delicate balance of environmental conditions, vineyard management, and microbial interactions. Finding sustainable alternatives to fungicides isn’t a simple task; each vineyard presents its own unique challenges, and no single biocontrol solution works for all. My work with bacteria and yeast has taught me that nature operates in layers of complexity, and harnessing these microorganisms for sustainable viticulture requires patience, adaptability, and an open mind.

I still find comfort in the lab—the quiet hum of equipment, the precision of pipettes, the satisfaction of a well-designed experiment. But I also know that the true impact of my work lies in the vineyards, where farmers face real challenges every day. Biocontrol isn’t just about scientific discovery; it is about providing real solutions for a more sustainable future. And that is what keeps me moving forward.