Integrated control of postharvest diseases of pear fruits using antagonistic yeasts in combination with ammonium molybdate

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of ammonium molybdate (NH4Mo) as an additive to improve biocontrol efficacy of antagonistic yeasts Rhodotorula glutinis and Trichosporon sp. against blue mold and Alternaria rot of pear fruits caused by Penicillium expansum and Alternaria alternata, respectively, was evaluated. Biocontrol activity of R. glutinis was enhanced in combination with NH4Mo, whereas the efficacy of Trichosporon sp. was not improved. Combining R. glutinis with 1 mmol l−1 NH4Mo provided a more effective control on P. expansum and A. alternata than applying the yeast or NH4Mo alone. Addition of 1 mmol l−1 NH4Mo significantly affected the growth of R. glutinis and Trichosporon sp. in nutrient yeast dextrose broth medium, but did not affect the growth of R. glutinis and Trichosporon sp. in pear wounds. Thus, it appears that the use of NH4Mo is a useful approach to improve the efficacy of R. glutinis for postharvest disease control. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry