Biological control of postharvest diseases of pome fruit
1994
Holmes, R. (Victorian Dept. of Agriculture (Australia). Inst. for Horticultural Development)
Investigations were conducted into (a) the selection and evaluation of beneficial micro-organisms for use as biological rot control agents; and (b) improved postharvest hygiene practices. Laboratory selections yielded 3 species of yeasts antagonistic to the main causative organisms of apple and pear deterioration. Antagonists at various concentrations, particularly in combination with calcium chloride, were as effective as commercial fungicides against rots of apples, but not of pears. At effective concentrations antagonists were slightly more costly than fungicide treatments. Deep frozen pellets were the most storable form of the yeasts tested. On apples, Australian isolates were as effective as patented isolates from the USA. Epidemiological studies found that fruit bins are the apparent source of Mucor and Penicillium, while field contamination of the fruit surface is the source of Alternaria. DPA/fungicide drenches spread fungi. Avoiding drenches whenever possible, and disinfesting bins pre-season, have potential as non-chemical controls for fungal rots
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