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[Penicillium-inhibiting yeasts]

M R Benítez Ahrendts1, L Carrillo

  • 1Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Alberdi 47, 4600 SS Jujuy.

Revista Argentina De Microbiologia
|March 25, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study explored using yeasts to control post-harvest fruit molds. Certain yeast strains, Candida cantarellii and Pichia subpelliculosa, effectively reduced fungal lesions, showing potential for biocontrol products.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Microbiology
  • Food Science

Background:

  • Post-harvest fruit spoilage is often caused by pathogenic moulds.
  • Developing effective biocontrol agents is crucial for reducing agricultural losses and chemical treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and evaluate yeasts for their potential to inhibit post-harvest pathogenic moulds on citrus fruits.
  • To establish in vitro and in vivo efficacy of selected yeasts as biocontrol agents.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and identification of yeasts and pathogenic moulds from citrus fruits.
  • Macro- and micro-morphological and physiological characterization of yeast strains.
  • In vitro and in vivo assays to assess the inhibitory activity of yeasts against Penicillium digitatum and P. ulaiense.

Main Results:

  • Various yeasts were isolated and identified, including Brettanomyces, Candida, Cryptococcus, Kloeckera, Pichia, and Rhodotorula.
  • Significant differences were observed in the in vitro and in vivo activities of yeasts against target moulds.
  • Candida cantarellii and a strain of Pichia subpelliculosa demonstrated significant reduction in lesion area caused by P. digitatum and P. ulaiense.

Conclusions:

  • Candida cantarellii and Pichia subpelliculosa show promise as biocontrol agents against post-harvest citrus fruit moulds.
  • These yeast strains could be formulated into effective biocontrol products to manage fungal spoilage.
  • Further research is warranted to optimize formulation and application for commercial use.

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