EFFECTS OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS ON THE BIOCONTROL ACTIVITY OF YEAST ANTAGONISTS AGAINST PENICILLIUM EXPANSUM ON APPLES

• Published in: Journal of plant pathology Vol. 91; no. 4; p. S4.87
• Main Authors: Sanzani, S M, Castoria, R, Schena, L, De Girolamo, A, Nigro, F, Solfrizzo, M, Ippolito, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2009
• Subjects: Antagonists; Biological control; Cryptococcus laurentii; Economics; Ferulic acid; Fruit juices; Fruit rot; Fruits; Fungicides; Mycotoxins; Pathogens; Patulin; Penicillium expansum; phenolic compounds; Quercetin; Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae; umbelliferone
• ISSN: 1125-4653

Blue mould caused by Penidllium expansum Link is a major postharvest rot of pome fruits. This disease causes economic losses not only to fresh fruits but also to the fruit-processing industry since some strains of the pathogen produce patulin, a mycotoxin which is transferred into fruit juices. So far, control strategies have mainly relied on synthetic fungicides. However, concerns about the environment and human health, as well as the onset of resistant pathogen's strains, have fostered the search for more eco-friendly measures. Although the use of microbial antagonists is considered as one of the most desirable alternatives, it faces some disadvantages such as the inconsistency of results. The aim of this study was to enhance the efficacy of selected antagonist yeasts against blue mould of apples by combining them with three phenolic compounds (quercetin, umbelliferone and ferulic acid), that in previous studies proved to be effective in controlling the disease and/or patulin accumulation. Trials were carried out to determine the compatibility of phenolics with the yeasts Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae (LSll) and Cryptococcus laurentii (LS28). Strain LS11 was compatible with phenolic concentrations not exceeding 1 mu g/ml, but combined applications did not provide any improvement in efficacy. By contrast, strain LS28 was compatible with the tested substances up to 10 mu g/ml and its efficacy was enhanced when the antagonist was combined with quercetin. In particular, a synergic controlling effect on disease severity (38%) and patulin accumulation (88%) was recorded. Further studies are in progress.