Postharvest Biocontrol of Green and Blue Mold and Sour Rot of Citrus Fruit by Debaryomyces hansenii

Abstract

(...)The lemon isolate of D.h. inhibited green mold on grapefruit more effectively than did any of eight other isolates of the same species. Efficacy of D.h. was mainained when applied simultaneously or prior to inoculation with P. digitatum. Efficacy was reduced when D. h. was applied after inoculation. Control of green mold of grapefruit was maintained for 21 days at 11 or 22°C. The yeast antagonist also reduced the incidence of green mold decay of injured, naturally infected grapefruit stored at 11°C for 21 days. D.h. did not inhibit the growth in culture of P. digitatum, P. italicum or G. candidum. A culture filtrate of the yeast antagonist failed to provide any protection against green mold of grapefruit. It may be that D.h. inhibits the pathogens by a mode of action other than antibiotic production