The prospect of using strains of Metschnikowia pulcherrima to combat pathogens of post-harvest spoilage of fruits

Abstract

Pre-treatment of fruits with biological products before placing them for long-term storage leads to a decrease in epiphytic microflora. The scientific article presents the results of studying the biological properties of antagonist strains that suppress the growth of phytopathogenic microorganisms. The article investigates microbial contamination of the surface of fresh fruits grown in private orchards in the Almaty region.

The purpose of the article is to study the fungicidal and antagonistic activities of the isolated yeast strains in relation to molds, which are the cause of the post-harvest spoilage of fruits.The objects of study were fresh apples of varieties - Aport, Limonka, Golden excellent, Pear and pear varieties - Duches and Talgar beauty, phytopathogenic microorganisms isolated from affected fruits -Alternaria alternata, Penicillium expansum, Acremonium alternatum.

There were 77 isolates in total. Species identification allowed them to be attributed to 8 species. It was decided to use Metschnikowia pulcherrima microorganisms for bio preparation. Pre-harvesting with the use of these yeasts is becoming increasingly popular, as they successfully colonize the surface of fruits, preventing the reproduction of pathogens. Protection, in this case, is provided by the substance pulcherrimin, a red chelates of iron, which is produced by some yeast and bacteria. It plays an important role in establishing the role of microorganisms at the ecosystem level, controlling the growth and biofilm formation of pathogens. Screening of strains was carried out based on the ability of yeast to suppress phytopathogenic fungi Penicillium expansum and Alternaria alternate, Acremonium alternatum.

As a result, there were selected 2 yeast strains with the highest indicators of fungicidal activity such as Metschnikowia pulcherrima MP D12-21 and Metschnikowia pulcherrima MP C10-21.