Almsjukan är en vissnesjukdom orsakad av invasiva skadesvampar i släktet Ophiostoma. På grund av almsjukan är svenska almar kritiskt hotade och nya metoder att skydda almar behövs därför akut. Biologisk kontroll är en lovande strategi mot trädsjukdomar som almsjukan, men det behövs mer kunskap innan metoden kan tillämpas i praktiken. Endofytsvampar som lever inuti växter utan att orsaka symptom har visat sig kunna forma trädets motståndskraft. I tidigare in vitro studier har en endofytsvamp i släktet Fusarium uppvisat kemisk antagonism mot almsjukepatogener i odling på standardagar. I denna studie undersöktes om samma reaktion även uppkommer när svampar odlas på agar som berikats med almbarkextrakt som innehåller bl.a. fenoliska substanser. I in vitro tester med Fusarium-svampen och två Ophiostoma-isolater upptäcktes att den antagonistiska reaktionen fanns kvar trots almkemikalier, vilket antyder att reaktionen kan vara stabil även inuti almar. Resultaten tyder på att almens kemikalier kan förstärka Fusarium-svampens antagonism mot den aggressivare patogenen, O. novo-ulmi. Studien bekräftar därför Fusarium endofytens potential i biokontroll av almsjukan.

The invasive tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle, is widespread and damaging throughout North America. Verticillium wilt disease is emerging as a potentially exciting biological control option for this difficult to control tree. In Virginia, Verticillium nonalfalfae has been confirmed causing significant mortality to A. altissima, while V. dahliae is suspected to be present and causing lower levels of disease. Little else is known regarding these two fungal species in this state. The purpose of this research was to gain a better understanding of how Verticillium wilt impacts A. altissima and its potential as a biological control agent. We first confirmed V. dahliae's presence in Virginia and its pathogenicity to A. altissima using Koch's postulates. We then completed a regional field-inoculation experiment to show that V. nonalfalfae effectively kills and spreads to adjacent A. altissima, regardless of V. dahliae presence or other climate and stand variables. Additionally, we showed that V. dahliae causes lower levels of disease than V. nonalfalfae, and does not spread rapidly. Next, we surveyed all Virginia A. altissima stands known to be naturally infected with V. nonalfalfae to determine whether V. nonalfalfae persists long-term, that it considerably reduces A. altissima numbers, and that its local prevalence may be higher than initially suspected. However, we were unable to infect A. altissima seedlings using soil collected at these infested sites, suggesting that V. nonalfalfae's survival within field soil may be limited. Lastly, using paired A. altissima invaded-uninvaded sites, we found that A. altissima presence is associated with a decreased proportion of native plants and species in the woody and herbaceous understory, but not the germinable seedbank. Furthermore, we found that this impact on the woody understory appears to increase over time, supporting early management actions and helping us predict post-management restoration needs. We conclude that V. nonalfalfae has a high potential of successfully limiting A. altissima throughout Virginia, supporting its registration as a biopesticide. / Doctor of Philosophy / Commonly called the tree-of-heaven, the nonnative invasive forest-tree Ailanthus altissima, is extensive, damaging, and spreading throughout North America. After finding large areas of declining tree-of-heaven being killed by two different fungal species (Verticillium nonalfalfae and V. dahliae), research has been focused on how to use these fungi to help us manage the tree-of-heaven. In Virginia, V. nonalfalfae has been confirmed killing large numbers of tree-of-heaven, while V. dahliae is suspected to be present in areas with lower levels of decline. The purpose of our research was to gain a better understanding of how these pathogens impact tree-of-heaven and their potential as biological control agents in Virginia. We first confirmed that V. dahliae is present in Virginia and can cause disease on tree-of-heaven. We then inoculated tree-of-heaven stands throughout the state to confirm that V. nonalfalfae effectively kills and spreads to adjacent tree-of-heaven regardless of V. dahliae presence or other climate or site variables. In contrast, we found that V. dahliae only causes low levels of disease and does not spread effectively. Next, we surveyed all known naturally infected V. nonalfalfae sites in Virginia and demonstrated that V. nonalfalfae persists long term within these stands, considerably reducing but not eradicating the tree-of-heaven, and that V. nonalfalfae's local prevalence may be higher than initially suspected. However, when tree-of-heaven seedlings were planted into soil collected from these infested sites, no disease developed, suggesting that V. nonalfalfae's survival within the soil may be limited. Lastly, by looking at tree-of-heaven stands, we found that the tree-of-heaven's presence is associated with a lower percentage of native plants and species in the understory, but not in the seeds present in the soil. In addition, we found that this impact on the woody plants in the understory appears to become more severe over time, supporting managing the tree-of-heaven as soon as possible. We conclude that V. nonalfalfae used as a biological control has a good potential of successfully limiting the tree-of-heaven in Virginia and support its registration as a biopesticide.

To investigate nematicidal activity against the root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae, the methanolic extracts were obtained from 5 medicinal plants in Vietnam. Methanol extracts of the 5 samples were screened for nematicidal activity against Pratylenchus coffeae in vitro. Of the plant extracts tested, a 5 mg/ml concentration of Terminalia nigrovenulosa extract showed the highest level (95.0%) of nematicidal activity against Pratylenchus coffeae at 9 h after treatment. The remainder of the plant extracts was followed by Cinnamomum camphora (66.7%), Jasminum suptriplinerve (30.8%), Premna integrifolia (6.7%), and Treptocaulon juventas (5.8%). A 2.0 mg/ml concentration of T. nigrovenulosa resulted in 13.3, 42.5, 62.5 and 86.7% at 1, 3, 5 and 7 h after treatment, respectively against Pratylenchus coffeae. Concentration of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/ml of T. nigrovenulosa resulted in 26.7, 71.7, 78.3 and 86.7% effectiveness respectively, at 7 h after treatment. Also, at 3 days after exposure to T. nigrovenulosa, hatch was inhibited by 60.0, 45.8, 17.5 and 5.8% at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/ml, respectively. Hatch was inhibited by 65.0, 50.8, 21.7 and 6.7% at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/ml respectvely, at 6 days after exposure to T. nigrovenulosa. The mortality rate and hatch inhibition increased with increasing incubation time for crude extract of T. nigrovenulosa. / Trong nghiên cứu này, 5 cây thuốc (Cinnamomum camphora, Jasminum suptriplinerve, Premna integrifolia, Terminalia nigrovenulosa, Treptocaulon juventas) đã được sử dụng làm nguyên liệu chiết xuất bằng methanol để thử hoạt tính kháng tuyến trùng Pratylenchus coffeae. Kết quả cho thấy chiết xuất từ cây Terminalia nigrovenulosa biểu hiện hoạt tính kháng tuyến trùng cao nhất (95,0%) sau 9 giờ xử lý với nồng độ 5 mg/ml. Hoạt tính kháng tuyến trùng của các chất chiết xuất được biểu hiện theo thứ tự giảm dần lần lượt là C. camphora (66,7%), J. suptriplinerve (30,8%), P. integrifolia (6,7%) và T. juventas (5,8%). Với nồng độ 2 mg/ml của chất chiết xuất từ T. nigrovenulossa biểu hiện hoạt tính gây chết tuyến trùng Pratylenchuss coffeae là 13,3; 42,5; 62,5 và 86,7% sau 1, 3, 5 và 7 giờ xử lý theo thứ tự. Ở cùng thời điểm sau xử lý 7 giờ, các nồng độ 0,1; 0,5; 1,0 và 2,0 mg/ml chiết xuất của T. nigrovenulossa có hoạt tính gây chết tuyến trùng Pratylenchus coffeae lần lượt là 26,7; 71,7; 78,3 và 86,7%. Bên cạnh đó, chất chiết xuất của T. nigrovenulossa cũng cho thấy tỷ lệ ức chế trứng nở cao. Cụ thể là sau 3 ngày xử lý với chất chiết xuất của T. nigrovenulossa, tỷ lệ ức chế trứng không nở là 60,0; 45,8; 17,5 và 5,8% at 0,1; 0,5; 1,0 và 2,0 mg/ml theo thứ tự. Sau 6 ngày xử lý với chất chiết xuất của T. nigrovenulossa, tỷ lệ ức chế trứng nở là 65,0; 50,8; 21,7 và 6,7% tại nồng độ 0,1; 0,5; 1,0 và 2,0 mg/ml theo thứ tự. Tỷ lệ gây chết và tỷ lệ ức chế của chất chiết xuất phụ thuộc vào cả thời gian và nồng độ xử lý.

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Classical biocontrol systems are sometimes treated as an exercise in community assembly. As such, they include multiple species interactions. This thesis explores multi-species aspects in classical weed biocontrol, using thistles as a case study. The abundance, phenology and impact of three biocontrol agents were followed on their target host, Carduus nutans L. and are described, for the first time in New Zealand for two of them (Urophora solstitialis L. and Trichosirocalus horridus sensu (Panzer)). Composition in New Zealand of the recently revised Trichosirocalus weevil species complex was surveyed nation-wide. One species only was found, albeit exhibiting a wider host range than anticipated from the published revision. Interspecific interactions and individual and combined effect of multiple biocontrol agents on C. nutans were tested in cage setups; the effect on the weed population was then estimated by manipulations of an existing matrix population model for this weed in New Zealand. The potentially better seed predator (U. solstitialis) was outcompeted by the worse seed predator (Rhinocyllus conicus (Froehlich)) which has similar niche preference. Urophora solstitialis was also adversely impacted by the crown-root feeder (T. horridus). Trichosirocalus horridus affected C. nutans survival, even at the medium density used, and significantly reduced potential seed production by 33%; in field densities, T. horridus is likely to affect C. nutans even more. Urophora solstitialis was estimated to destroy about 28% of the remaining seed in the absence of the other agents, and about 17% in the presence of T. horridus. The estimated combined effect of T. horridus and U. solstitalis on C. nutans population growth rate was greater than the effect of either agent alone. In the face of growing weed invasions, multiple thistle species were used to test ‘multi-targeting’ as a novel approach to target groups of ‘sleeper weeds’. Both in a field experiment and in a field survey, the seed predator R. conicus was found to attack and damage some ‘non-target’ thistle species more in the presence of the target species (C. nutans) than in its absence; however, levels of attack on non-target species were always modest. The ultimate goal of biocontrol is to reduce weed populations. A field survey revealed that current population densities of multiple thistle species in Canterbury are not obviously lower than in the mid 1980s, when only R. conicus was present. This may be because successful biocontrol has reduced the management input required to maintain the same thistle density.

Projet réalisé en cotutelle avec Jacques Brodeur et Les Shipp / Ce projet de recherche a examiné le supplément alimentaire comme technique pour accroître l'efficacité de deux espèces d’acariens prédateurs, Neoseiulus cucumeris et Amblyseius swirskii contre le thrips des petits fruits Frankliniella occidentalis. Des tests en laboratoire ont vérifié l’adéquation de trois espèces de pollen – de quenouille, de maïs et de pomme – ainsi que des œufs de la pyrale Méditerranéenne de la farine pour les acariens prédateurs à l'étude. En termes de valeur rm, les œufs de pyrale et les pollens de quenouille et de pomme étaient de qualité égale pour A. swirskii, tandis que le pollen de pomme s’est distingué pour N. cucumeris. Lorsque nourris d’oeufs de la pyrale, les deux espèces ont complété leur développement avec des valeurs de rm élevées. Le pollen de pomme est apparu comme étant un supplément alimentaire accessible et adéquat pour les deux prédateurs. À court terme (période de 24h), l’influence du pollen de pomme sur les interactions trophiques (larves de F. occidentalis comme proie) et intraguildes (entre les espèces de prédateurs) sur chrysanthèmes standardisés a été examinée. La présence de pollen a considérablement réduit la prédation de N. cucumeris sur les thrips ainsi que la prédation intraguilde pour les deux prédateurs. L'impact du pollen de pomme sur les populations de thrips et sur la rétention des prédateurs dans une culture de chrysanthèmes a été évalué sur une période de 4 semaines. L'introduction de A. swirskii avec pollen a permis le meilleur contrôle des populations de thrips tandis que N. cucumeris ne s’est pas établi dans la culture lorsqu'il a été introduit seul. Le pollen de pomme a amélioré la lutte au thrips par A. swirskii dans une culture de chrysanthème via une réponse numérique de la proie et la rétention des prédateurs dans la culture. Le plus bas taux de dommages importants a été observé lorsque les deux acariens prédateurs étaient utilisés de concert. / This research investigated supplemental food source as a technique to increase the efficiency of two species of predatory mites, Neoseiulus cucumeris and Amblyseius swirskii against the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis. Laboratory assays aimed to assess the suitability of three pollen species – cattail, maize and apple – and eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth as supplemental food source for the predatory mites under study. In terms of rm value, flour moth eggs, cattail pollen and apple pollen were food sources of equal quality for A. swirskii, while apple pollen appeared to stand out for to N. cucumeris. Maize pollen was a less suitable food source for both species. When fed flour moth eggs, A. swirskii and N.cucumeris completed development and showed high rm values. Apple pollen appeared to be an accessible and suitable food source for both predators. Short term (24h period) influence of apple pollen availability on trophic (F. occidentalis larvae as prey) and intraguild (between the predator species) interactions on standardized chrysanthemum was examined. It significantly lowered predation on thrips by N. cucumeris and led to a decrease in intraguild predation for both predators. Following this, the impact of apple pollen on thrips populations and predator’s maintenance on chrysanthemum greenhouse crop was assessed over a 4 weeks period. The introduction of A. swirskii with pollen provided the best control on thrips while N. cucumeris did not remain on the crop when introduced alone. Apple pollen improved thrips control by A. swirskii in chrysanthemum crops through prey numerical response and retention of predators on plants. The lowest rate of heavy dammages were observed when both predators were used together.

Phytonematodes are known to cause substantial losses in crop yields across the world. Since the middle of the last century, these pests have been adequately controlled by chemical nematicides. However, due to increasing public health concern, strict regulations in the EU and elsewhere have significantly reduced the usage of these environmentally not-so-safe chemicals. This has led us to look for reliable biological alternatives. The Pasteuria group of Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria (phylum: Firmicutes) often associated with nematode-suppressive soils are potentially reliable nematode biocontrol agents. However, the highly specific interaction of Pasteuria to their nematode hosts poses a challenge to the management of heterogeneous populations of nematodes in the field; the mechanism behind this specificity remains unclear. One of the fundamental basis of host specificity is the attachment of Pasteuria endospores to the cuticle of their host nematodes which is the first and essential step in the infection process. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern the attachment process is important in identifying suitable populations of Pasteuria for effective broad-range management of plant parasitic nematodes in soil. Previous studies suggest the presence of immunogenic collagen-like fibres and carbohydrates on the endospore coat of Pasteuria that may have a role in the initial interaction of the endospores with their nematode hosts. Published work on phylogeny relates Pasteuria to Bacillus spp. most of which have well annotated and characterized genomes while the genome of Pasteuria remains to be sequenced completely. In this thesis, I attempt to explore the endospore biology of obligate and fastidious Pasteuria spp. using the wide knowledgebase of well studied Bacillus endospores. The primary aim was to characterize the immunogeneic determinants that are possibly responsible for the attachment of Pasteuria endospores to the host nematode cuticle by a combination of computational and lab-based approaches. To approve the suggested phylogenetic closeness of Pasteuria to Bacillus, the first part of the study focused on phylogeny reconstruction of Pasteuria spp. amongst Bacillus spp. and other members of the phylum Firmicutes. This was followed by in silico studies to identify candidate collagen-like genes in P. penetrans; the putative functional proteins encoded by these candidate genes were then comparatively characterized with collagens from other organisms including the members of the genus Bacillus. The surface associated collagen-like proteins and other possible immunogens on the endospores of Pasteuria were characterized by protein immunoblotting, lectin blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy and comparisons were made with B. thuringiensis endospores. Lastly, endospore attachment assays were done to test the hypothesis that collagens and carbohydrates play a role in Pasteuria endospore attachment. The results of the computational analyses suggest a family of collagen coding putative genes in the Pasteuria genome, all of which are predicted to have varied biochemical properties and are seemingly of diverse evolutionary origin. The Western blot and microscopic analyses show that the endospores of P. penetrans and B. thuringiensis share some common immunodominant surface epitopes. The attachment assays confirm the involvement of collagens and at least one carbohydrate (N-acetylglucosamine) in the endospore attachment. However, the results also indicate possible involvement of other adhesins in the process; to support this, at the end of the thesis, I propose a new 'Multitype Adhesin Model' for initial interaction of Pasteuria endospores with the cuticle of their host nematodes. The outcomes of this project will help in identifying the molecular basis of the complex Pasteuria-nematode interaction. This will provide a basis to develop environmentally benign nematode bio-management strategies.

Certains champignons sont très dommageables pour les plantes mais aussi pour la conservation après récolte des produits végétaux. Les restrictions réglementaires concernant l’utilisation des fongicides nécessitent de trouver des solutions alternatives. L'amélioration de la résistance des plantes en utilisant des méthodes physiques, comme les rayonnements UV, peut présenter une alternative prometteuse en association avec d’autres méthodes dans le cadre d’une protection intégrée des cultures. L'objectif de cette thèse a été d’étudier l’effet des rayonnements UV-C sur la sensibilité des plantes aux agents pathogènes. Les rayonnements UV-C ont été appliqués durant la culture, seuls ou en combinaison à des agents de biocontrôle, ou en post-récolte. Les expérimentations ont été menées sur deux espèces végétales : le fraisier et la tomate.Sur fraisier, des traitements UV-C à une dose de 1,70 kJ/m² entraînent une diminution systématique d'environ 20 % de la sensibilité des feuilles à Botrytis cinerea et diminuent jusqu’à 50 % le nombre de feuilles attaquées par Podosphaera aphanis, l’agent causal de l’oïdium. Chez la tomate, la protection des feuilles contre B. cinerea atteint 43 % avec une dose d’UV-C cumulée de 4,0 kJ/m². Ces mêmes traitements UV-C appliqués sur fruits réduisent la sensibilité des fraises vis-à-vis de Rhizopus de 75 % mais aucun effet n’est observé vis-à-vis de B. cinerea. Au contraire, sur fruits de tomate, la sensibilité est diminuée d'environ 63 % contre cet agent pathogène. Parallèlement, des tests biochimiques et gustatifs suggèrent que la qualité des fruits n’est pas significativement améliorée ni altérée par les expositions UV-C. Malgré un effet germicide marqué des rayonnements UV-C sur feuilles de fraisiers, aucun effet bénéfique de l’application de ces rayonnements sur le niveau d’efficacité d’agents de lutte biologique n’a été mis en évidence.Nos observations sont encourageantes pour envisager une utilisation de cette méthode dans un schéma de protection intégrée des cultures. Cependant, une compréhension claire de la façon dont les rayonnements UV-C sont perçus par les plantes et traduits en mécanismes de défense est nécessaire avant que leur utilisation ne soit recommandée sur le terrain. / Some fungi are very damaging during plant cultivation and also in post-harvest storage of products. Regulatory restrictions on fungicide use require alternative solutions. Improving plant resistance using physical methods, such as aplication of UV radiation, can be a promising alternative in association with other methods as part of an integrated pest management strategy. The objective of the present thesis was to study the effect of UV-C aplication on the sensitivity of plants to fungal pathogens. UV-C radiation was applied during plant cultivation, alone or in combination with biocontrol agents, or in post-harvest. Experiments were conducted on two plant species: strawberry and tomato.On strawberry plants, UV-C treatments at 1.70 kJ/m² result in a systematic 20 % decrease in leaves sensitivity to Botrytis cinerea and in a reduction by up to 50 % of the number of leaves infected by Podosphaera aphanis, the causal agent of powdery mildew. In tomato, leaves protection against B. cinerea reaches 43 % with a cumulative dose of 4.0 kJ/m². UV-C treatments applied on fruits reduce the strawberry sensitivity to Rhizopus by 75 % but no effect is observed against B. cinerea. On the contrary, sensitivity against B. cinerea is reduced by 63 % on tomato fruit. Biochemical and taste tests suggest that fruit quality is not significantly improved or altered by UV-C treatment. Despite a marked germicidal effect of UV-C radiation on strawberry leaves, it has no significant effect on the protective efficacy of biocontrol agents.Our observations are encouraging to consider the use of this tool in an integrated crop protection scheme. However, a clear understanding of how UV-C radiations are perceived by plants and their translation into defense mechanisms is necessary before their use is recommended in the field.

Il est actuellement estimé qu’environ 13% du vignoble français est improductif suite aux pathologies affectant le bois des ceps, la principale d’entre elles étant l’esca. Parmi les moyens de lutte mis en œuvre, le biocontrôle, via l’utilisation d’un oomycète, Pythium oligandrum, est actuellement développé pour protéger les plants de vigne contre un agent pathogène pionnier de l’esca, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora. La sélection de souches de P. oligandrum, isolées du vignoble, et produisant in vitro des quantités importantes d’une protéine élicitrice, l’oligandrine, des systèmes de défense des végétaux a d’abord été réalisée. Trois essais en serre ont montré qu’une réduction significative (40 à 50%) des nécroses dues P. chlamydospora était observée après application d’inocula de l’oomycète sur les racines des plants de vigne pied-francs Au niveau de la tige, le niveau d’expression de 22 gènes impliqués dans les mécanismes de défenses de Vitis vinifera a été mesuré par PCR quantitative et des réponses spécifiques du végétal ont été observées selon les traitements. Six gènes (protéines PR, voie des phenylpropanoïdes, oxylipines et le système d’oxydo-réduction) ont été fortement induits lorsque les plants ont été pré-inoculés par P. oligandrum puis infectés par P. chlamydospora. Afin de mettre en évidence les mécanismes spécifiques mis en place lors de cette interaction tripartite, l'analyse de la réponse transcriptomique globale de la vigne (par microarray et RNAseq), au niveau de la tige, a été réalisée chez ces plants qui manifestent une résistance induite systémique (ISR). Plusieurs gènes impliqués dans la synthèse de l’éthylène et des jasmonates sont fortement induits, chez les plants pré-traités par l’oomycète puis infectés par l’agent pathogène. Plusieurs facteurs de transcription régulant ces voies de signalisation sont également fortement induits. Suite à l’analyse des populations de messagers (mRNA) de P. chlamydospora, il a été observé que les niveaux d’expression de gènes impliqués dans la synthèse des métabolites secondaires, des facteurs de transcription impliquées dans la régulation de différentes voies chez les champignons et certaines Carbohydrates Actives enZymes étaient modulés en présence de P. oligandrum au niveau racinaire. Ces résultats montrent que la colonisation du végétal par l’oomycète, même à distance de P. chlamydospora, induit un stress indirect important chez celui-ci. Afin d’optimiser l’implantation de cet agent de biocontrôle en pépinière et au vignoble, l’aptitude de P. oligandrum à coloniser les racines de plants de vignes greffés et à les protéger contre P. chlamydospora a été étudiée. Trois portes-greffes (SO4, 3309 et 101-14) greffés sur des cépages (Cabernet Sauvignon et Sauvignon Blanc) ont été inoculés ou non par P. oligandrum. L’oomycète s’implantait sur les différents systèmes racinaires, mais en proportion variable selon les associations cépage/porte-greffe utilisées. Les analyses par empreintes moléculaires (Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism) ont montré que des microflores fongiques et bactériennes complexes et diversifiées colonisaient les feuilles et les racines, mais que l’introduction de P. oligandrum sur la plante n’induisait pas de bouleversements directs ou indirects notables au niveau de ces microflores indigènes. Une protection des jeunes plants de vigne greffés (SO4 + Cabernet Sauvignon) semble être induite par P. oligandrum contre l’agent pathogène, P. chlamydospora. / Approximately 13% of French vineyards are currently considered unproductive due to trunk diseases, mainly Esca, a particularly destructive disease that affects grapevines worldwide. Accordingly, biological control of a pathogen implicated in Esca, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, was developed using the oomycete, Pythium oligandrum. The selection of P. oligandrum strains, isolated from vineyards, which produced in vitro large quantities of oligandrin, an elicitin-like protein inducing plant defences, was carried out. Three greenhouse assays showed that the necroses caused by P. chlamydospora were significantly reduced (40 to 50%) when P. oligandrum colonized the root system of vine cuttings. At stem level, the expression of a set of 22 genes involved in Vitis vinifera defence mechanisms was measured by quantitative PCR. Depending on the treatments employed, significant differences in grapevine responses were observed. Six of the genes (PR proteins, phenyl-propanoid pathway, oxylipins and the oxydo-reduction system) were strongly induced in plants pre-treated with P. oligandrum, and subsequently infected by P. chlamydospora. In order to characterize the mechanisms occurring during this tri-partite interaction, the global transcriptomic grapevine responses at stem level were analysed, using microarray and RNAseq, in plants in which induced systemic resistance (ISR) had taken place. Several genes involved in ethylene and jasmonate biosynthesis were strongly induced in plants that were pre-treated with P. oligandrum, and subsequently infected by P. chlamydospora. The transcription factors involved in the regulation of these signalisation pathways were also induced. Analysis of the P. chlamydospora RNA messenger (mRNA), showed that certain genes involved in secondary metabolite synthesis, transcription factors implicated in pathway regulations, and certain Carbohydrate Active enZymes, were modulated, when P. oligandrum colonised the roots. These results demonstrated that root inoculation with P. oligandrum induced indirect stress on P. chlamydospora responses. In order to promote P. oligandrum implantation in nurseries and vineyards, the capacity of this biocontrol agent to colonize the roots of grafted-plants, and to protect them against P. chlamydospora attacks, was studied. Three rootstocks (SO4, 3309 and 101-14), grafted on two scion varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc), were inoculated or not with P. oligandrum. Depending on the particular scion/rootstock associations, the oomycete colonized the various root systems differently. Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) analyses revealed complex and diverse fungal and bacterial communities in both the rhizosphere and the phyllosphere. These microflora, which were organ-dependent, were not direcly or indirectly affected by the root inoculation of P. oligandrum. Protection of grafted vines (SO4 + Cabernet Sauvignon) was probably induced by P. oligandrum against the pathogen, P. chlamydospora.