Abstract
In the present study, the following was investigated: (a) The effect of ulvan on in vivo and in vitro biocontrol of Debaryomyces hansenii and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila against Fusarium proliferaum and (b) the effect of ulvan on in vivo and in vitro growth of D. hansenii and S. rhizophila and muskmelon quality parameters. The results showed that the biocontrol activity of D. hansenii and S. rhizophila could be enhanced by ulvan (5 g/L). The combination of ulvan and S. rhizophila resulted in a more effective control of fruit rot in comparison to fungicide benomyl. On in vitro growth of F. proliferatum, individual treatments of D. hansenii and S. rhizophila inhibited spore germination and mycelial growth with no statistical difference with the combined treatments. Ulvan does not have a direct effect on the in vivo and in vitro growth of D. hansenii and S. rhizophila. Furthermore, the combined treatments improve the natural disease incidence and quality parameters like weight, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and pH. These results suggest that the use of ulvan may be an effective method to improve the biological activity of D. hansenii and S. rhizophila.
Highlights
Muskmelon fruit (Cucumis melo L.) is commercialized worldwide because of its flavor and nutritional content [1]
D. hansenii, S. rhizophila, and ulvan had a significant effect on disease control of fruit rot caused by F. proliferatum on muskmelon fruit stored at 27 ◦ C for 7 days (Table 1)
S. rhizophila + ulvan were the most effective treatment on reducing lesion diameter, but not better than benomyl. These results suggest that ulvan enhances the biocontrol activity of D. hansenii and S. rhizophila against fruit rot caused by F. proliferatum in muskmelon fruit
Summary
Muskmelon fruit (Cucumis melo L.) is commercialized worldwide because of its flavor and nutritional content [1]. It is perishable and susceptible to fungal pathogens during storage, transportation, and commercialization [2]. Fruit rot caused by Fusarium spp. is one of the most serious diseases of melon fruit, and it is generally controlled by applying synthetic fungicides [3]. Indiscriminate use of synthetic fungicides causes environmental problems, puts humans at risk, and may proliferate fungicide resistance [4]. Biological control of postharvest disease is an effective and nonchemical alternative. It relies on the use of antagonist microorganisms which limit or stop the development of fungal pathogens [5]
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