Biological Control of Postharvest Diseases of Citrus and Deciduous Fruit

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to develop control measures of postharvest diseases of citrus and deciduous fruits by using naturally-occurring, non-antibiotic-producing antagonists; study the mode of action of effective antagonists and optimize their application methods. Several antagonists were found against a variety of diseases of fruits and vegetables. One particularly effective yeast antagonist (US-7) was chosen for more in-depth studies. This antagonist outcompetes rot pathogens at the wound site for nutrients and space; it is better adapted than the pathogen to extreme environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and osmotic changes, and is relatively resistant to common postharvest fungicides. Our data suggests that other modes of action may also be involved. These are induction of host resistance by the antagonists or its products, and direct interaction between the antagonists and the pathogen with the possible involvement of an extracellular material and/or cell wall degrading enzymes produced by the antagonist. However, these interactions were not fully elucidated. The antagonistic activity of US-7 and other biocontrol agents isolated, was enhanced by calcium salts. While the mode of action is not known, the addition of these salts had a significant effect both in laboratory experiments and in large-scale tests. Compatibility of the yeast antagonist with present packinghouse treatments and procedures was determined. An integrated control procedure was developed, utilizing the antagonists together with ultra-low dosages of fungicides and activity-enhancing additives. This cooperative research resulted in numerous publications describing the antagonistic agents. their mode of action and possible commercial application. Patents were developed from this research and a commercial company is pursuing the licensing of these patents and the testing of the procedure on a commercial scale. Our research findings have expanded the potential for using non-antibiotic-producing antagonistic microorganisms in the control of postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables; thus meeting a critical need to find alternatives to the use of synthetic fungicides on food products.