Penicillium Expansum Growth Research Articles

Development of Antifungal Packaging From Low‐Density Polyethylene With Essential Oil of Oregano and Potassium Sorbate

ABSTRACTAntimicrobial low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films were developed by adding 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (w/w) of Mexican oregano essential oil (OEO) or potassium sorbate (PS) as a positive antifungal control to inhibit the growth of Penicillium expansum, Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus niger in vitro. Three methods of adding OEO in LDPE were evaluated; the best OEO yield in film was achieved when OEO was incorporated after laminating (88%); otherwise, when added into cool‐melting resin, OEO lost up to 91.5% from LDPE and completely volatilized (>99%) when combined with the resin before melting. PS yields in LDPE film were > 88% when incorporated into cool‐melted resin. Antimicrobial films with 2.5% or 5.0% (w/w) OEO or PS delayed the growth of P. expansum and P. citrinum for up to 4–5 days, and for A. niger, only films with 5.0% of OEO retarded its growth for 5 days. The modified Gompertz model was used to describe mould growth response, obtaining the parameters A (maximum growth), μm (maximum growth rate) and λ (lag phase), which correctly fit the data. P. citrinum was the most sensitive mould, and A. niger was the most resistant to the tested antimicrobials. The addition of antimicrobial agents significantly (p < 0.05) impacted the physical and mechanical properties of the LDPE films, wherein thickness and puncture strength were increased, and the colour changed (reducing the transparency and promoting the yellowness). In contrast, the water vapour transmission rate was dropped only by incorporating PS.

Bacteriostasis of bacillus sp. 22T against penicillium expansum and comparison between its ability on pear and grape

In the biological lab of Zhejiang University, we justified and tested a type of bacillus to improve the anti-bacteria ability of commonly affecting diseases of fruits, such as pear and grape, which would lead to a large amount of economic loss and unpredictable negative influence if they were rotten before being sold. Using techniques such as gram staining and bacteriostasis test, this paper explores and confirms the results that bacillus sp. 22T has a strong ability to inhibit the growth of penicillium expansum on pear and grape. After 96 hours of exposure to fermentation broth containing bacillus sp. 22T to suppress the growth of penicillium expansum, 33.33 percent of pear and 16.66 percent of grape were not impacted by the bacterium.

In vivo and in vitro Efficacy of Selected Some Plant Extracts on Mycelial Growth of Penicillium expansum

Hasat sonrası elmalarda oldukça yaygın görülen Penicillim expansum’un neden olduğu mavi küf dünya çapında önemli ekonomik kayıplara neden olmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Caprifoliaceae, Papaveraceae familyalarına ait 14 bitki türü P. expansum’un misel büyümesinin kontrolü için in vivo ve in vitro etkinlikleri açısından değerlendirildi. İn vivo sonuçlara göre P. expansum’un misel büyümesini Lamiaceae familyasına ait Origanum vulgare ve Thymus longicaulis sırası ile %100 ve %87.11’lik oranlarında inhibe etti. En düşük MİK değerini O. vulgare sulu ekstraktı gösterdi (250 µg/mL). O. vulgare sulu ekstraktları (32 mg/mL) elmada yapay olarak oluşturulan mavi küf enfeksiyonunu %69.21 oranında engelledi. SEM analizinde P. expansum’un hifal yapısı üzerine O. vulgare ve T. longicaulis’in çökertme, yassılaşma ve kırışık hücre yüzeyli hücreler etkileri gözlendi. Mavi küf enfeksiyonlarını kontrol edebilmek için O. vulgare sulu ekstraktının doğal bir antifungal madde olarak değerlendirilebileceğini önerebiliriz.

Impact of carbon dioxide on the radial growth of fungi isolated from dairy environment

In dairy industry, filamentous fungi are used as adjunct cultures in fermented products for their technological properties but they could also be responsible for food spoilage and mycotoxin production. The consumer demands about free-preservative products has increased in recent years and lead to develop alternative methods for food preservation. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) can inhibit fungal growth and therefore increase the food product shelf-life. This study aimed to evaluate radial growth as a function of CO2 and more particularly carbonic acid for fourteen adjuncts and/or fungal spoiler isolated from dairy products or dairy environment by using predictive mycology tools. The impact of the different chemical species linked to CO2 (notably carbonic acid) were study because it was reported previously that undissociated carbonic acid impacted bacterial growth and bicarbonates ions were involved in modifications of physiological process of fungal cells. A significant diversity in the responses of selected strains was observed. Mucor circinelloides had the fastest growth rates (μ > 11 mm. day−1) while Bisifusarium domesticum, Cladosporium herbarum and Penicillium bialowiezense had the slowest growth rates (μ < 1 mm. day−1). Independently of the medium pH, the majority of strains were sensitive to total carbonic acid. In this case, it was not possible to conclude if CO2 active form was gaseous or aqueous so modeling were performed as a function of CO2 percentage. Only Geotrichum candidum and M. circinelloides strains were sensitive to undissociated carbonic acid. Among the fourteen strains, P. bialowiezense was the less sensitive strain to CO2, no growth was observed at 50% of CO2 only for this strain. M. lanceolatus was the less sensitive strain to CO2, the CO250 which reduce the growth rates by 50% was estimated at 138% of CO2. Low CO2 percentage improved the growth of Penicillium expansum, Penicillium roqueforti and Paecilomyces niveus. Mathematical models (without and with optimum) were suggested to describe the impact of CO2 percentage or undissociated carbonic acid concentration on fungal growth rate.

Bacillus cereus B8W8 an effective bacterial antagonist against major postharvest fungal pathogens of fruit

The antifungal activity of Bacillus cereus (B8W8) was investigated against major post-harvest fungal pathogens affecting citrus and apples fruits namely Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Geotrichum citri-aurantii, Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia laxa and Monilinia fructigena. The in vitro dual culture of B8W8 and fungal pathogens showed high inhibition rates of the mycelial growth of Monilinia laxa and Penicillium digitatum (71.4% and 72.5% respectively). Subsequently, the volatile compounds (VOCs) have a high antagonistic effect against Monilinia laxa (86.4%) and Monilinia fructigena (73.4%). In addition, the bacterial-free cell filtrate of B8W8 had a significantly important effect on the inhibition of spore’s germination and mycelial growth of Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium italicum and Geotrichum citri-aurantii. The in vivo bioassays revealed a significant impact of B8W8 on fruit decays either by reducing the disease severity of causative agents or by completely preventing their occurrence, particularly brown rot of apple caused by M. laxa and green mold of citrus caused by P. digitatum (DS = 0%). However, the severity of sour rot of citrus caused by G. citri-aurantii was only reduced by 50%. The semi-commercial trials showed a high potential of B. cereus B8W8 to reduce the incidence of gray mold of apple and green mold of citrus to very low values during at storage. In addition, the biological treatment with B8W8 was shown generally more effective than imazalil, the chemical treatment reference. Furthermore, the rapid colonization of fruit wounds by B8W8 could promote its antagonistic ability. Moreover, biochemical tests showed the ability of B8W8 to produce protease, amylase, and hydrocyanic acid (HCN). Interestingly, the molecular analysis demonstrated the ability of this bacterium to produce the fengycin. The secretion of this lipopeptide and lytic enzymes is more likely the major mechanism of action involved in the biocontrol activity of this bacterium. Results indicated that quality parameters of fruit, when challenged post-harvest pathogens and treated with B8W8, were mostly very close to those of the untreated control, suggesting that B8W8 did not affect the fruit quality. Accordingly, it was concluded that B. cereus strain B8W8 could be an effective biological agent to control the main fungal pathogens of apples and citrus fruits during post-harvest period.

A glycoside hydrolase superfamily gene plays a major role in Penicillium expansum growth and pathogenicity in apples

Penicillium expansum is an important postharvest pome fruit pathogen causing massive spoilage of stored fruits and high economic losses. The present study aimed to identify an essential gene of P. expansum and to investigate its effect in postharvest apple infection. Cytoscape and RNA-sequencing analysis identified a P. expansum PeBgl1 gene which was a hub gene and also upregulated expression at three key time points (1, 3, and 6 h) during apple infection. The PeBgl1 gene was 798 bp in length, encoded 265 amino acids and had high homology with glycoside hydrolase superfamily of P. expansum. The PeBgl1 gene affected the colony morphology especially the colony color and delayed fungal growth both of P. expansum both in vivo and in vitro. This gene also decreased the pathogenicity of P. expansum in apples. Based on these results, we conclude that PeBgl1 is responsible for growth and pathogenicity in P. expansum.

Research on the Use of Thermal Imaging as a Method for Detecting Fungal Growth in Apples

This study assesses whether thermal imaging can be utilized for detecting and monitoring the level of plant product contamination with apples used as an example. The growth of Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, and Rhizopus stolonifer on apples contaminated with these fungi was investigated by measuring temperature changes using a thermovision camera. The results showed a significant relationship between the temperature of apples and the growth of microorganisms, as well as that the temperature changes occurred in two stages (temperature of the contaminated apples increased on the first day but then decreased). Significant differences were found between the temperature of the apples showing microbial growth and the noncontaminated control sample, which indicates that the thermal imaging technique has a potential application in microbial quality control. Automation of the production process and attempts on the intensification of production capacity have resulted in the need to improve individual stages of product quality control. Thermovision-based methods have a high potential in this field, as they represent an innovative and noninvasive alternative to conventional microbiological diagnostic methods.

Effects of fruit tissue pH value on the Penicillium expansum growth, patulin accumulation and distribution

pH is an important environmental factor for the virulence of fungi. To explore the effect of tissue pH on the diffusion behavior of Penicillium expansum and patulin, pear (pH 4.98), apple (pH 3.72) and kiwifruit (pH 3.31) were selected to inoculate P. expansum. When the diameter of the lesion was 1 cm or 2 cm, tissues within a certain distance (0, 1, 2, and 3 cm) from the lesion were sampled. Results showed that low pH could inhibit the growth of P. expansum and hinder patulin accumulation in the decayed parts. The quantity of P. expansum was 1.99 × 105 CFU/g and patulin content was 13.84 mg/kg in pear, which were 6.86 times and 92.89 times of that in kiwi-fruit (lesion diameter 2 cm). In addition, the P. expansum colonies and patulin content decreased with the distance from the lesion, but there was no correlation between tissue pH and patulin distribution. Novelty impact statement Low fruit tissue pH (pH < 4.98 ± 0.08) would inhibit the growth of Penicillium expansum and hinder the accumulation of patulin in the decayed parts. The pH value of the fruit tissue affects the diffusion behavior of P. expansum and patulin in different decayed fruits.

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of curcumin-based photodynamic inactivation on patulin secretion by Penicillium expansum

Patulin (PAT) contamination caused by Penicillium expansum growth in postharvest fruit brings safety problems. This study investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of curcumin (CUR)-based photodynamic inactivation (PDI) on PAT secreted by P. expansum in vitro using a multifunctional light source instrument. After being treated with photosensitive CUR, the growth of mycelium was completely inhibited on potato dextrose agar medium, and the maximum PAT reduction of 93.06% can be achieved (330.0 J/cm2, 300 μM CUR) in liquid medium. The inherent mechanism was that PDI causes the reactive oxygen species accumulation in cells, which destroyed the antioxidant defense system and induced severe oxidative damage, resulting in the loss of cell integrity. Furthermore, mycelial apoptosis caused up-regulation of five genes, including PatB, PatE, PatG, PatI, and PatL, but down-regulated ten genes in the PAT biosynthetic pathway. These findings suggest that CUR-based PDI can inhibit fungal infection and toxin secretion. Industrial relevanceThis study found that photosensitized curcumin can significantly inhibit mycelial growth and the secretion of patulin by Penicillium expansum. Curcumin-based photodynamic inactivation has the feasibility of the application on fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples or oranges, and can avoided excessive waste of resources in picking, transporting, storing, and selling.

Impact of Gelatin, Clove Oil and Olive Oil on Storability and Blue Mold of Anna Apple Caused by Penicillium expansum Under Cold Storage Conditions

This experiment was carried out during the 2020 and 2021 seasons to evaluate the physiological and pathological effects of edible coating with gelatin 8%, clove oil 1%, and olive oil 1% separately, or gelatin incorporated with clove oil or olive oil, on maintaining quality and control blue mold development caused by Penicillium expansum on Anna apple fruits under cold storage conditions. In vitro, both oils were evaluated on linear growth of Penicillium expansum at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1%. Clove oil at 1% had a high efficacy at inhibiting the mycelial growth of Penicillium expansum with 77.8%. The results showed that all studied coating treatments were effective in controlling blue mold in Anna apple during cold storage for 4 weeks in artificial infection and 12 weeks in natural infection compared to control. Also, all coating treatments had a significant effect on delaying changes in fruit weight loss percentage, color values (L* and h°), hardness, respiration rate, TSS: acid ratio, total phenolic content (TPC), and activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalysis (CAT), especially coating by gelatin mixed with olive oil. Therefore, it could be recommended that coating Anna apple fruits by gelatin 8% mixed with (clove oil 1% or olive oil 1%) to improve their quality and storability during cold storage.

Mathematical modelling of biocontrol effect of Cryptococcus albidus on the growth of Penicillium expansum on Fuji apple fruits

In this study, the antagonistic effect of Cryptococcus albidus SAS157 against the growth of Penicillium expansum on Fuji apple fruit was modeled using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) under various storage conditions. The apples (punctured holes on the surface) were inoculated respectively with C. albidus (6, 9, or 11 log CFU/ml) and P. expansum (6 log CFU/ml) and stored at 4, 10, 15, and 25 °C with 85% or 95% RH for 14 days. The growth of P. expansum significantly decreased as the temperature, humidity, or yeast inoculum level increased (p < 0.05). The diameter of spoilage was decreased by 91.39% at 95% RH by the treatment of 9 log CFU/g yeast culture at 15 °C. A high correlation was found (R2 ∼ 0.97) between the model predictions using ANN and actual values for the growth of P. expansum within the limits of the given conditions. Thus, blue rot spoilage in apples can be prevented by C. albidus application at the predicted conditions in this model.

Underlying mechanisms of the antagonistic effects of Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCFM1108 on Penicillium expansum: Based on comparative transcriptome analysis

Penicillium expansum is the primary postharvest pathogen that attacks fruits and vegetables and threatens human health. Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCFM1108 has been previously demonstrated to inhibit the growth of Penicillium expansum and patulin production; however, its modes of action remain unclear. RNA-seq analysis was used to investigate the underlying antifungal mechanism of metabolites produced by B. adolescents CCFM1108. The expression of genes in the control group and three treatment groups (1/2 MIC CFS, 1/4 MIC CFS, and acid treatment groups) was determined and further compared using GO and KEGG analyses. The inhibitory metabolites were found to participate in the dysfunction of the mitochondrial membrane, affecting energy metabolism, reactive oxidative species production, and patulin biosynthesis. Compared with the mixture of multiple metabolites of Bifidobacterium, the acid mixture affected gene expression in a more significant manner by inhibiting all critical genes included in the patulin biosynthetic pathway. The changes in the patulin biosynthetic were verified by qRT-PCR in the presence of acids. Collectively, the present study provides a clear perspective on the antifungal mechanism of metabolites produced by a B. adolescents strain through transcriptome analysis and suggests that acid mixtures could be potential candidates for the postharvest control of P. expansum.

Preliminary Studies on Suppression of Important Plant Pathogens by Using Pomegranate and Avocado Residual Peel and Seed Extracts

Potential synergistic action of aqueous extracts of pomegranate peel (PP), avocado peel (AP), and avocado seed (AS) wastes isolated by microwave-assisted extraction were assessed in in vitro and in vivo assays as biocontrol agents against several plant pathogenic fungi. The study findings contribute to the utilization of a value-added industrial byproduct and provide significant value in advancing the development of new plant protecting compositions that benefit from the synergistic effects between two important plant species that contain several natural bioactive compounds. More specifically, the in vitro results proved that the use of 100%-pure (PP) extracted waste affected the mycelium growth of Penicillium expansum. Furthermore, mycelium growth of Aspergillus niger was decreased by 10.21% compared to control after 7 days of growth in medium agar containing 100% AP and extracted waste. Moreover, mycelium growth of Botrytis cinerea was affected by equal volume of avocado extraction wastes (50% peel and 50% seed) only at the first 3 days of the inoculation, while at the seventh day of the inoculation there was no effect on the mycelium growth. Equal volumes of the examined wastes showed decreased mycelium growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici by 6%, while Rhizoctonia solani mycelium growth was found to be the most sensitive in PP application. In addition, the in vivo assay shown that PP extract suppresses damage of tomato plants caused by R. solani followed by extracted wastes from AP. Based on the research findings, it can be argued that PP and AP extracts can be used as natural antifungals instead of dangerous synthetic antifungals to effectively treat phytopathogens that cause fruit and vegetable losses during cultivation.

Apple-based coatings incorporated with wild apple isolated yeast to reduce Penicillium expansum postharvest decay of apples

The aim of this work has been to prevent the growth of Penicillium expansum on the surface of apples by means of the use of biocontrol agents in combination with edible coatings. For that, Metschnikowia pulcherrima yeast isolated from wild apples was incorporated in edible film matrices based on pectins, cellulose ethers with and without the addition of liquid culture medium (yeast extract and glucose) and apple pomace residues.The viability and biocontrol activity of the yeast incorporated in the films were evaluated after film drying process and after being stored for 21 days at 10 °C. Furthermore, the matrix that exhibited the best results was applied as a coating on apples artificially inoculated with P. expansum in order to evaluate its antifungal activity against P. expansum during storage and to prevent the production of its mycotoxin, the patulin. M. pulcherrima remained viable in films after drying step and after 21 days storage, but viability depended on the matrix composition, being lower in pectin films and higher in apple pomace films. The highest antimicrobial activity in vitro was observed in methylcellulose films supplemented with yeast extract and glucose (YEG), and in apple pomace residues films, matrix which was therefore selected to be applied as coatings on apples inoculated with P. expansum. The results proved that bioactive coatings significantly reduce P. expansum growth and patulin production during storage. The results obtained in this work give added value to the apple industry residues which, in combination with apple isolated M. pulcherrima can be applied as coatings on apples to provide protection against blue mold and its mycotoxin as an alternative of postharvest disease management.

Development of antifungal biopolymers based on dynamic imines as responsive release systems for the postharvest preservation of blackberry fruit

This study describes the synthesis and reversibility of Schiff bases from chitosan and bioactive compounds, and their application in the antifungal packaging of fruit. Imine bonds between primary amine groups of chitosan and carbonyl groups of antifungal aldehydes were synthesised and their reversibility was assayed in an aqueous medium under different acidic conditions. The mechanism of action of the dynamers is based on the hydrolysis of imine bond and the release of the active agent. The new films were effective at inhibiting the growth of Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea, and their effectivity depended on the degree of hydrolysis achieved which was greater when the bonds were hydrolysed in a mild acidic medium. A double bottom cylindrical tray was used for the responsive antimicrobial packaging of blackberries. The package extended shelf-life of berries from 3 to 12 days without causing phytotoxic effects on the fruit being safe for human consumption.

Isolation and characterization of a Pseudomonas poae JSU-Y1 with patulin degradation ability and biocontrol potential against Penicillium expansum

Patulin, one of the most common mycotoxins produced primarily by the Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys species, is often associated with fruits and fruit-based products. Biodegradation by microbes is an effective method to remove or detoxify mycotoxins. In this study, a bacterial strain with patulin degradation capability was selectively isolated using oxindole, an analogue to patulin, as the sole carbon source, and identified as Pseudomonas poae JSU-Y1 by phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence. This isolated bacterium could inhibit the growth of Penicillium expansum both on plate medium and apple fruit with inhibition ratio of 30.3% and 44.9%, respectively. Up to 87.7% of the initial patulin (2.5 μg/mL) was removed after incubation with Pseudomonas poae JSU-Y1 in liquid medium at 30 °C for 72 h. When challenged with apple juice, 79% of patulin could be degraded by this isolated strain. Additionally, ascladiol was tentatively identified as the patulin degradation intermediate by LC-MS analysis. Taken together, the experiment results indicated that the isolated Pseudomonas poae JSU-Y1 would be a promising bacterial resource to control patulin contamination and toxigenic fungal growth in agricultural products.

Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides LB7 isolated from apple surface inhibits P. expansum in vitro and reduces patulin in fruit juices

This research aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from apple surface and to reveal their potential to inhibit the growth of Penicillium expansum. Besides, their ability to detoxify fruit juices contaminated with mycotoxin patulin, produced by this fungi, was also studied. The isolation was performed on a typical MRS medium under ambient conditions. The molecular identification of the strains was done by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes. Antifungal activities of the isolated strains have been evaluated using dual agar plate assay protocol. A total of 11 LAB isolates was obtained from apples. These isolates showed phenotypic traits consistent with the genera of LAB. They have been identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides and Weissella paramesenteroides. Among them, the strain LB7 showed exciting inhibitory activities in vitro against P. expansum. LB7 also successfully detoxified homemade and commercial fruit juices contaminated with patulin. Further research will bring the application prospects of these LABs in food biocontrol and biopreservation strategies.

Efficacy of Essential Oil and Hydrosol Extract of Marrubium vulgare on Fungi Responsible for Apples Rot

Background: The microorganisms such as Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea are wellknown pathogens in apples during postharvest. So, to protect apples from these pathogens, chemical control methods were exercised. Introduction: The main objective of this work was to study the chemical composition and the in-vitro and in-vivo antifungal properties of essential oil and hydrosol extract of Marrubium vulgare. Methods: In this work, the air-dried aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare were hydrodistilled in a Clevengertype apparatus. The essential oil and hydrosol extract isolated were analyzed using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The in-vitro antifungal activity of the both extracts was investigated against Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum and Alternaria alternata fungi using radial growth technique. The effect of the essential oil and hydrosol extract on disease development of apple caused by Penicillium expansum in the in-vivo conditions was assessed. Results: The essential oil of Marrubium vulgare was characterized principally by E-β-caryophyllene (23.5%), E-β-farnesene (21%), α-humulene (14.8%), β-bisabolene (11.1%), caryophyllene oxide (6.8%) and phytol (3.1%). While, the methyl-eugenol (65.5%), α-Bisabolol (12.5%), linalool (6.5%) and caryophyllene oxide (6.2%) were the major compounds of hydrosol extract. The result of in-vitro antifungal activity of hydrosol extract showed an interesting antifungal inhibition against Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum and Alternaria alternata with percentage inhibition ranging from 77% to 89% at low concentration of 0.15 mL/L. The essential oil was found to inhibit the growth of Penicillium expansum in a dose-dependent manner, with a percentage inhibition of 100% at 30 mL/L. Furthermore, essential oil and hydrosol extract have demonstrated promising in-vivo antifungal activity to control infection of apples by Penicillium expansum up to 25th day of storage, compared with the control. Conclusion: The preventive and protective effects of essential oil and hydrosol extract could be exploited as an ideal alternative to synthetic fungicides for using the protection of stored apples from fungal phytopathogens.

Efficacy of methyl thujate in inhibiting Penicillium expansum growth and possible mechanism involved

Abstract Fungal infection causes severe diseases on fruits and vegetables, eventually leading to postharvest loss, and thus it is urgent to explore safe substances to control postharvest diseases and elucidate the underlying antimicrobial mechanisms. Here, it was found that a monoterpenoid substance, methyl thujate, was effective in inhibiting mycelial growth of Penicillium expansum and reducing its virulence on harvested fruit dose-dependently. Moreover, dual-fluorescence staining and flow cytometry assay suggested that methyl thujate significantly decreased cell vitality, impaired membrane integrity, induced ROS accumulation and abolished mitochondrial membrane potential in P. expansum. As a consequence, membrane peroxidation and cytoplasmic content leakages occurred. In summary, methyl thujate could inhibit mycelial growth of P. expansum and reduce its virulence on harvested fruit, which is promising for controlling postharvest decay.

A natural strategy to improve the shelf life of the loaf bread against toxigenic fungi: The employment of fermented whey powder

Whey powders are used as food ingredients in many applications, from bakery goods, soups and sauces to baby food. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antifungal property of a whey‐based medium (WM) fermented by lactic acid bacteria. The antifungal activity of the WM was evaluated using antifungal tests on solid and liquid media. MIC and MFC ranged from 15.6 to 250 mg/mL and 62.5 to 250 mg/mL, respectively. Using fermented WM for dough preparation produced a reduction of Penicillium expansum growth of 0.5–0.6 log CFU/g and an improvement in shelf life of 1–2 days in relation to control bread.