International Recognition for Researchers at the Wine Research Centre of the University of Nova Gorica

Their scientific article entitled Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds as Natural Antifungal Agents Against Botrytis cinerea in Grape-Based Systems was published in the renowned international scientific journal Foods and selected among the Editor’s Choice Articles for the first quarter of 2026. This editorial recognition confirms the scientific excellence, innovativeness and relevance of their research work.

In their study, researchers demonstrated that natural volatile organic compounds (VOCs), produced as a result of the enzymatic activity of the antagonistic yeast Pichia guilliermondii during fermentation in a simulated grape environment, can contribute not only to the development of wine aroma but also to protection against fungal diseases. To evaluate their effectiveness, the researchers focused on grey mould (Botrytis cinerea), one of the most important grapevine diseases, responsible for significant economic losses in viticulture worldwide. The study identified several VOCs with a strong inhibitory effect against B. cinerea. These findings open new opportunities for the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to vineyard disease control.

An important part of the research work within the INSPIRO project was carried out by Lenart Žežlina, who at the time was a student at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, once again confirming that young researchers can make an important contribution to cutting-edge scientific achievements.

This accomplishment represents an important contribution to the understanding of natural mechanisms of grapevine protection and links fundamental science, sustainable viticulture and the future of grape production.

We sincerely congratulate the researchers on this success and the international recognition of their work.

Link to the article: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15010119

Prepared by: Andreja Leban