a b s t r a c t
In this work, Metschnikowia pulcherrima Disva 267, Wickerhamomyces anomalus Disva 2, and Saccharomyces
cerevisiae Disva 599 yeast strains were evaluated for their biocontrol activity on postharvest
decay brown rot, mainly caused by Monilinia laxa on sweet cherries, using three increasing concentrations
(106, 107 and 108 CFU/mL). M. pulcherrima significantly reduced brown rot incidence, severity and
McKinney index at all three concentrations, W. anomalus was effective at the concentration of 107 CFU/mL,
and S. cerevisiae reduced brown rot only at 108 CFU/mL. M. pulcherrima and W. anomalus survived on the
surface of sweet cherries during 2 weeks cold storage. When the three yeasts were sprayed on the canopy
of sweet cherry trees at 107 CFU/mL, M. pulcherrima and W. anomalus showed good survival and colonization.
In contrast, under the same conditions, S. cerevisiae strain did not survive. None of the yeasts
produced phytotoxic substances, both on intact and on wound-inoculated fruit. Therefore, M. pulcherrima
Disva 267 and W. anomalus Disva 2 could be promising biocontrol agents, able to survive in field and
storage environments, providing a clear decrease in postharvest decay. However, further investigations
with large scale trials are needed to lead to a possible formulation and commercial use.
© 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.