Organic viticulture enhanced the activity of native entomopathogenic nematodes in DOCa Rioja soils (North of Spain)

Vineyards and their associated socio-economic activities are relevant sectors worldwide. Still, this agroecosystem is one of the most intensely managed crops erosion-prone land areas. The conventional viticulture practices to control pests, diseases, weeds, like tillage agrochemical applications, accelerate loss soil biodiversity compromise presence beneficial organisms such as entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Such human disturbances in agroecosystems can strongly affect abiotic ( e.g. , texture properties) biotic factors (natural enemies potential competitors) that modulate EPN activity biological agents. For first time viticulture, study aimed investigate impact differentiating management on community if assemblage will provide indicators better for sustainable farming. We hypothesized organic pest alternative strategies might enhance abundance native vineyard soils. In autumn 2019, we collected two composite samples from 80 vineyards distributed across Guaranteed Designation Origin (denominated DOCa) Rioja region. sites belonged category each factors: (integrated vs. organic, 40 plots each) managing (tillage cover cropping, 48 32 vineyards, respectively). Isolated through sucrose-gradient centrifugation employing species-specific primers/probe qPCR sets, investigated ten species organisms: four free-living (FLNs), six nematophagous fungi (NF), ectoparasitic bacteria (EcPB). Besides, estimated using traditional insect-bait method. included analysis twenty variables characterize evaluated treatments assess organism distribution. Our results evidence support organisms, notably EPNs. also reported a higher S. feltiae (the predominant steinernematid Europe) FLNs farming than IMP, while NF EcPB resulted unaffected. Contrarily, considered did not differ EPNs or natural enemies/competitors, even contrasted several properties. Future research may expand screened soil-dwelling novel molecular technics unravel complex interactions determine best preserve health. • Organic enhanced nematode (EPN) activity. Soil showed Steinerneme feltiae. supported more with (till no-till) organisms. could long-term presistence