Plant Pathology Science

Ramezani A.  &  Mahdian S. A. 2016. Biological control of post-harvest citrus diseases. Plant Pathology Science 5(1):14-25.

Post- harvest rot of citrus fruits is one of the most important limiting factors that reduce the life of harvested products and are one of the most important economical diseases in world’s citrus production areas. Two most important fungi that affect the citrus fruits, are green and blue molds which are produced by Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum, respectively. The disease are mainly managed by using the synthetic fungicides, but because of environmental hazards and appearance of resistant strains of the pathogen, the biological control by the use of bacterial, fungal and yeast antagonists can be suggested. The efficiency of yeasts such as Candida guilliermondii, C. saitoan, Pichia guilliermondi and Aureobasidium pullulans; the bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Pantoea agglomerans and the fungus Muscodor albus, in controlling the green and blue molds of citrus is reported so far. In this paper, we tried to explain the method of biological control with emphasizing on the identification of useful microorganisms and their operation. 

Apple postharvest diseases are usually caused by a wide range of pathogenic fungi. Postharvest rot of this crop is one of the most important economic diseases and also one of the main factors in reducing the lifespan of this crop. In contrast, our current knowledge of the occurrence and latent contamination during storage and its epidemiology is limited. The pathogenic fungi Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum causing gray mold and blue mold, respectively, are the most common pathogens in the cultivation areas, which are usually inhibited by the use of synthetic fungicides. However, due to the growing concern over the use of synthetic fungicides, alternative control measures such as using physical treatments, natural compounds, and biocontrol agents are highly desired. Although no method has been approved as a definitive method of postharvest diseases management, the effectiveness of yeasts such as Candida saitoana, bacteria such as Rahnella aquatilis, and fungal species such as Trichoderma harzianum has been suggested.