Sequential application of NaHCO3, CaCl2 and Candida oleophila (isolate 13L) affects significantly Penicillum expansum growth and the infection degree in apples.
The employment of biocontrol agents to restrain postharvest pathogens is an encouraging approach, although, efficacy and consistency are still below those of synthetic pesticides. Up to date, the 'integrated control strategy' seems to be the most promising way to overcome this gap. Here, we report the feasibility to control postharvest decay caused by Penicillium expansum in apples by a 2 min, single or sequential, immersion in water with an antagonistic yeast (Candida oleophila, isolate '13L'), 2% NaHCO3 (SBC) or 1% CaCl2. The treatments were carried out, on appels cv 'Miali' either un-wounded, wounded or wound-pathogen inoculated and then stored at 2 degrees C for 30 d followed by a 6 d simulated marketing period at 20 degrees C or alternatively stored only for 7 d at 20 degrees C. As a general role, the best results were attained when CaCl2 was applied with the yeast or when preceded by the SBC treatment. When the wounding and inoculation took place 24 h before the treatment, the latter application sequence of the two salts was three times more effective compared to the treatment with the sole antagonist, and one time when performed 24 h after the treatment. Interestingly, apples immersed in the sole 2% SBC solution had the highest percentage of decay during storage and when inoculated before moving to the simulated marketing period at 20 degrees C.
CNR - ISPA, Traversa La Crucca, 3 - Loc. Baldinca, 07040 Sassari, Italy. mariagiovanna.molinu@ispa.cnr.it
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D'Hallewin
D002122:Calcium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002175:Candida / Q000502:physiology*; D005519:Food Preservation; D027845:Malus / Q000382:microbiology; D010407:Penicillium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; D002122:Calcium Chloride