Application of Microbial Antagonists in Combination with Sodium Bicarbonate to Control Post-Harvest Diseases of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) and Plums (Prunus salicina Lindl.)

Abstract

Postharvest diseases cause considerable losses of fruits and vegetables during transportation and storage, and synthetic fungicides are the first option for their prevention. However, promising alternatives to chemical fungicides are currently available, and several post-harvest diseases can be controlled using microbial antagonists. This study utilised a comprehensive methodology to assess the antagonistic and synergistic interactions between four yeasts and two bacteria in conjunction with sodium bicarbonate (SB) during the treatment of sweet cherries and plums. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of microbial antagonists and sodium bicarbonate on fruits. The in situ treatments showed a protective effect exerted by the antagonists P. guillermondii and H. uvarum, and their combination with SB. However, in vivo studies did not indicate enhanced efficacy when combined with this compound. In conclusion, the use of microbial antagonists in conjunction with SB has been successful in preventing post-harvest rot of cherries and plums. Tests conducted on live organisms have shown that microbial antagonists are viable alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the control of stone fruit rot.