In conclusion, PA at the concentration of 4 mmol/ml could significantly enhance the biocontrol activity of R. mucilaginosa
against postharvest gray mold decay and natural decay development of strawberries. The mode of action may be involved in its direct inhibition on the colony growth of the pathogens and facilitating the growth of R. mucilaginosa in strawberries and enhancing the activity of nutrient competition. Future research will be aimed at developing the technology to be used under large-scale operations and investigating the mode of action of the induction of resistance in strawberries by these treatments.