BioProject

The effects of audible sound in the form of music has been intensively investigated for many years due to the health benefits provided to humans and animals. More...

The effects of audible sound in the form of music has been intensively investigated for many years due to the health benefits provided to humans and animals. More recently, the impact on non-audible cells, e.g. plants and microorganisms, gained scientific interest. Exposure to specific frequencies was found to strengthen plant resilience towards biotic and abiotic stressors and, even acoustic communication between plants and animals was evidenced. However, whether or not native plant microbiomes respond to audible sound and the underlying mechanism thereof remains unknown. Within the present study we investigated grapevine leaf-associated microbiota from a vineyard that was perpetually exposed to baroque music, and compared them to a non-exposed control group by analyzing 16S rRNA gene and ITS fragment amplicon libraries. We observed a shift within the core microbiome of music-exposed leaves; for several species a host-beneficial effect has been well described in existing literature. Moreover, abundances of taxa identified as potential producers of volatile organic compounds that contribute to sensory characteristics of wines, were either increased or even unique within the core music-exposed phyllosphere population. This study suggests an impact of music on grapevine associated microbiota on plant resilience by activating plant’s immune system and a corresponding microbiome shift. Results show an as yet an unexplored avenue for improved plant health and the terroir of wine, which are important for environmentally friendly horticulture, enhanced economic value and consumer appreciation. Less...