Paenibacillus peoriae is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) widely distributed in various environments. P. peoriae ZBFS16 was isolated from the wheat rhizosphere and significantly suppressed grape white rot disease caused by Coniella vitis. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of P. peoriae ZBFS16, which consists of a 5.83 Mb circular chromosome with an average G + C content of 45.62%. Phylogenetic analyses showed that ZBFS16 belongs to the genus P. peoriae and was similar to P. peoriae ZF390, P. peoriae HS311 and P. peoriae HJ-2. Comparative analysis with three closely related sequenced strains of P. peoriae identified the conservation of genes involved in indole-3-acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, biofilm formation, flagella and chemotaxis, quorum-sensing systems, two-component systems, antimicrobial substances and resistance inducers. Meanwhile, in vitro experiments were also performed to confirm these functions. In addition, the strong colonization ability of P. peoriae ZBFS16 was observed in soil, which provides it with great potential for use in agriculture as a PGPR. This study will be helpful for further studies of P. peoriae on the mechanisms of plant growth promotion and biocontrol.

Grape ripe rot, a globally significant fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum spp., severely threatens grape yield and quality. This study systematically investigated the pathogen species, biological characteristics, and fungicide sensitivity through multiregional sampling (2022 to 2024, covering seven districts across four provinces), morphological analysis, molecular identification, and EC ₅₀ assays. The results revealed that 125 isolates were obtained and classified into five species, namely, Colletotrichum aenigma, C. conoides, C. viniferum, C. gloeosporioides, and C. fructicola, based on morphological traits and multilocus phylogenetic analysis (ITS, CHS, GAPDH, TUB2, and ACT). Among these, C. viniferum was identified as the dominant species responsible for grape ripe rot, with an isolation rate of 74.4%, and C. conoides represents a new species isolated from grape ripe rot in China. Biological assays revealed that the optimal temperature and pH for mycelial growth on PDA were 25 to 30°C and pH 5 to 6, respectively, and the pathogenicity significantly increased at 30°C following wound inoculation. Fungicide sensitivity tests indicated that prochloraz exhibited the highest inhibitory efficacy against all the species (EC ₅₀ ≤ 0.03 mg/liter). This study elucidates the geographical distribution patterns of Colletotrichum spp. in China and their differential responses to fungicides, providing critical theoretical and practical insights for optimizing integrated management strategies against grape ripe rot.

Grape white rot, primarily caused by Coniella diplodiella and Coniella vitis, is a major fungal disease threatening grape production worldwide, with C. vitis more prevalent in China. Temperature is a critical environmental factor influencing pathogen development and disease outbreaks, but how temperature influences the biological characteristics, pathogenicity, and fungicide sensitivity of these two pathogens remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature on mycelial growth, conidial germination, extracellular enzyme activity, pathogenicity, and fungicide sensitivity of C. diplodiella 2019 and C. vitis GP1. The growth, conidial germination, extracellular enzyme production, pathogenicity, and fungicide control efficacy against the two pathogens were systematically evaluated under different temperature conditions (5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 °C). Results showed temperature significantly affected all investigated traits in both species. Optimal mycelial growth, conidial germination, and pathogenicity occurred at moderate temperatures (25 °C), whereas extreme temperatures (5 °C and 45 °C) significantly markedly inhibited fungal development and disease severity. C. vitis GP1 showed greater adaptability and consistently higher pathogenicity than C. diplodiella 2019 across the tested temperature range. Fungicide sensitivity also differed between the two species, and the inhibitory activity of difenoconazole was significantly reduced under temperature extremes, indicating that fungicide performance is influenced by environmental temperature. These findings demonstrate that temperature regulates both fungal development and fungicide efficacy, providing new insights into the temperature-dependent epidemiology of grape white rot and a scientific basis for optimizing disease management under changing environmental conditions.