Microbial Biocontrol Agents for the Control of Postharvest Brown Rot on Stone Fruit

Abstract

Brown rot of stone fruit is one of the most important stone fruit diseases. The losses caused by this disease are mainly registered during the postharvest process, either in packing houses, or at the point of sale or at the consumer’s home. Microbial control has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to chemical fungicides. Several microbial agents have been widely investigated for use on different postharvest pathogens. The efficacy of the microbial antagonist(s) such as Aureobasidium pullulans, Bacillus spp., Ceratocystis fimbriata, Debaryomyces hansenii, Epicoccum nigrum, Pantoea agglomerans, Penicillium frequentans, Pseudomonas spp., Streptomyces spp. and Wickerhamomyces anomalus are being used. Biocontrol products such as Amylo-X, BoniProtect, Julietta, Serenade Max and Serenade Aso have also been developed and registered. Although the results of this technology are encouraging, the formulation and application methods are key issues.