The role of insects as vectors in grape microflora – impact on natural wine quality

The role of insects (and specifically Drosophila flies) as vectors of yeast and bacteria in the microbiota is frequently suggested, yet their practical involvement has yet to be proven. In the field, we will quantify alternative colonization processes in grape berries using bagging, capture and metagenomic inference of microbial transfer. 
The hypotheses drawn from this work will then be tested using experiments involving target microorganisms vectored by Drosophila in a mesocosm and in the vineyard. This research will also analyse the relationship between microbiota and wine quality to focus the investigations on the determining species.
This dual ecological and oenological approach will provide the unique knowledge needed for agroecological management and the controlled production of natural wines.