Combining of Bacteriophage and G. asaii Application to Reduce L. monocytogenes on Fresh-Cut Melon under Low Temperature and Packing with Functional Film

Abstract

Gluconobacter asaii (a bacterial antagonist naturally occurring on apple fruit) and bacteriophage were tested as biocontrol agents of Listeria monocytogenes on fresh-cut honeydew melon pieces during low temperature and packing with functional film made by zeolite mixed pegmatite thickness with 20 m. Gluconobacter asaii and bacteriophage were effective against of L. monocytogenes, but combining the two treatment was even more effective. G. asaii alone treatment reduced density approximately 4 to 5 logs and phage alone reduced populations by one log compared to the L. monocytogenes control. In comparison Listeria control treatment combining treatments reduced populations up to 6 logs by day 7 especially packing with functional film. Also shelf-life of melon with functional film extend 5~6 days compared to none film treatment under low temperature. The results of our study suggest that G. asaii and phage when combined could be very effective in reducing L. monocytogenes contamination of fresh-cut honeydew melon under low temperature and packing with functional film.