Overview

• Researchers isolated two Gordonia alkanivorans strains from grape leaves that metabolize guaiacol, a principal volatile phenol linked to smoke taint.
• In vitro tests showed rapid loss of guaiacol, reaching barely detectable levels after about 96 hours.
• Deleting the guaA cytochrome P450 gene halted guaiacol catabolism, demonstrating that this gene is necessary for the pathway.
• The strains were selective and did not utilize related smoky compounds, indicating other microbes or tools will be needed to address additional phenols.
• Simulated smoke exposure modestly shifted grape leaf and berry microbiomes by enriching some Bacilli, as industry seeks targeted options after costly losses and tradeoffs from treatments like activated charcoal.