qiime_study_1024
Merlot_Microbiome
The aim is to classify the microbial diversity associated with the bulk soil, rhizosphere, roots, leaves, flowers (in the spring) and grapes (in the fall) from 4 Merlot vine clonal varieties, found in 2 different soil types, in 5 different wineries, in 3 different seasons over 2 years in the North Fork region of Long Island. We are attempting to determine the microbial community structure associated with the vines (endophytic and epiphytic) and to explore the factors which influence the community structure, e.g. host variety, soil type, geolocation, etc.? Ultimately we will examine both the 16S rRNA community structure and the shotgun metagenomic functional characteristics to determine whether microbial community structure and function influence the health and productivity of the vines.