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A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Biotic and Abiotic Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 61156

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alessandra Di Francesco

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
Interests: plant pathology; fungal biology; fungi; phytopathology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Gianfranco Romanazzi

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: chitosan; essential oils; gray mold; postharvest decay; seedborne pathogens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Rosario Torres

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IRTA, Postharvest Programme, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Spain
Interests: postharvest fungal diseases of fruit; epidemiology; biological control; alternative methods; host-pathogen interaction studies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The open access journal Horticulturae (IF: 2.331; Q1 in Horticulture) is pleased to announce that we have launched a new Special Issue titled “Biological Control of Pre- and Post-Harvest Fungal Diseases”. Given your expertise in this field, we would like to invite you to contribute an article to the present Special Issue.

The appearance of pathogen isolates resistant to common fungicides, followed by stricter regulatory policies that impose a reduction in their use, emphasizes the attempts to introduce effective biological control methods applied in pre- and post-harvest phases. At the beginning of the 1960s, treatments based on chemical fungicides, as the main method of reducing post-harvest fruit losses, obtained satisfactory results. However, the fungicide option for managing post-harvest decay is increasingly limited; in addition, the use of fungicides on fruit after harvest is regulated by different food protection agencies. Alternative biocontrol methods are also necessary, starting from the field, so as to create a connection with the post-harvest phase alternative treatments. Biological control in sensu strictu involves microorganisms known as biocontrol agents (BCAs), which are mainly yeasts, bacteria, and fungi; however, sometimes their activity is inconsistent. Therefore, to overcome this issue, integrated strategies including essential oils (EO), physical treatments, GRAS, chitosan, and, less frequently, fungicides in low doses, could be explored in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. The proposed Special Issue aims to present advanced studies, methods, tools, and innovations in the field of biological control of fungal diseases in pre- and post-harvest phases. We hope to receive your contributions so as to share them with the community of researchers, students, and technicians that believed in new frontiers for plant protection, as 2020 is the “International year of plant health”. In the hope that this invitation receives your favorable consideration, we look forward to our future collaboration.

Kind regards,

Dr. Alessandra Di Francesco
Prof. Dr. Gianfranco Romanazzi
Dr. Rosario Torres
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biological control
fungal diseases
antagonists
pre- and post-harvest phases
fruits
horticultural products
alternative methods

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 184 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: “Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases”

by Alessandra Di Francesco, Gianfranco Romanazzi and Rosario Torres

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121107 - 25 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1339

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development planned 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure a better present and future for our planet and the people that are living on it [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

Research

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21 pages, 2956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Characterization of Trichoderma spp. for Antagonistic Activity against Avocado (Persea americana Mill) Fruit Pathogens

by María Estela López-López, Carmen Lizette Del-Toro-Sánchez, Melesio Gutiérrez-Lomelí, Salvador Ochoa-Ascencio, José Antonio Aguilar-López, Miguel Angel Robles-García, Maribel Plascencia-Jatomea, Ariadna Thalia Bernal-Mercado, Oliviert Martínez-Cruz, María Guadalupe Ávila-Novoa, Jean Pierre González-Gómez and Pedro Javier Guerrero-Medina

Horticulturae 2022, 8(8), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8080714 - 9 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5300

Abstract

In this research, we aimed to isolate and identify native strains of Trichoderma spp. with potential activity against avocado pathogens (Neofusicoccum parvum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Diaporthe sp., and Phomopsis perseae). Strains of Trichoderma spp. were isolated from roots and soil obtained from avocado orchards from different regions of Mexico. Twenty-five Trichoderma spp. strains were isolated, of which six (TSMICH7, TSMICH8, TRMICH9, TSMICH10, TSMICH15, and TRJAL25) showed greater antagonistic capacity in vitro (>80%) against avocado pathogens. After 96 h, the antagonistic strain undergoes a thickening of hyphae, while the phytopathogen tends to thin, except for Diaporthe sp., which tends to thicken. The characterization of these strains was carried out through morphological observations and the amplification and sequencing of rDNA fragments (ITS regions), as well as the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (Tef 1-α), achieving the identification of Trichoderma harzianum. However, in the in vivo evaluation (applying directly to the avocado fruit), the TSMICH7 strain maintained considerably high effectiveness (>90%) against the four phytopathogens tested, mainly with P. perseae, N. parvum, and Diaporthe sp., increasing the activity of glucanases and chitinases. Therefore, T. harzianum could be used as a biological control agent to inhibit post-harvest pathogens in avocados, thus avoiding significant losses of this fruit of international importance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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13 pages, 1344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endophytic Yeasts for the Biocontrol of Phlyctema vagabunda in Apples

by Ximena Sepúlveda, Diego Silva, Ricardo Ceballos, Silvana Vero, María Dolores López and Marisol Vargas

Horticulturae 2022, 8(6), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8060535 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2438

Abstract

Bull’s-eye rot, produced by Phlyctema vagabunda, is an important postharvest disease in apples. Current measures to control infection include synthetic fungicides, in addition to the application of copper hydroxide and potassium phosphite. However, growing public concern regarding fungicide residues in food has generated interest in developing non-chemical alternative control methods; biological control is one of the most promising alternatives. In this research, native endophytic yeasts were isolated and evaluated for the biocontrol of P. vagabunda in apples. The mechanisms of action involved were also determined. Our research found 2 isolates, Vishniacozyma victoriae EPL4.5 and EPL29.5, which exhibited biocontrol activity against P. vagabunda at 20 °C in apples, the incidence of bull’s-eye rot was reduced by 39% and 61%, respectively, and the severity of the disease was decreased by 67% and 70%, respectively, when apples were inoculated with these yeasts 24 h before applying the pathogen. The main mechanisms that could be involved in the observed biocontrol activity are the ability to form biofilms and the production of volatile organic compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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16 pages, 3933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alternative Control of Tomato Wilt Using the Aqueous Extract of Calotropis procera

by Kamal A. M. Abo-Elyousr, Esmat F. Ali and Nashwa M. A. Sallam

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030197 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4199

Abstract

Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand (commonly known as the apple of sodom, calotrope, and giant milkweed) is an evergreen, perennial shrub of the Apocynaceae family, and is mainly found in arid and semi-arid regions. Previous studies have established the toxic effects of Calotropis procera (C. procera) (Aiton). Its extract is used as one of the vital alternatives to pesticides due to its effective impacts on several pathogens and to combat insect pests that cause severe damage to several crops, but so far, its effects on combating Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the current study focuses on evaluating the effects of the aqueous extract of this plant on FOL by studying physicochemical indicators. In Saudi Arabia and many other countries, such disease is considered as one of the critical factors affecting tomato growth and production. For the control of Fusarium wilt disease (Fwd), many strategies have been developed, but are limited in their use. Ten isolates of the pathogens were obtained from diseased tomato plants. These isolates were able to exhibit symptoms of tomato wilt, and they varied in their virulence. Isolate No. 5 caused the highest severity of the disease (73%). According to these results, we used this isolate in the following experiment, which was identified by ITS sequences as F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Following intensive screening studies, we selected aqueous plant extract of C. procera to study its effectiveness against Fwd of tomato plants and their antifungal activity or induce systemic resistance in plants. All concentrations of C. procera extracts suppressed growth of the pathogen. The highest reduction of mycelia growth was obtained by aqueous extract at 15%, it reduced the pathogen growth to 70.2%, relative to the control. In greenhouse conditions, the aqueous C. procera extract at 5, 10, and 15% significantly reduced Fwd of the tomato compared to the infected control (52.01, 69.86, and 83.6%, respectively). The use of aqueous C. procera extract at 5, 10, and 15% significantly enhanced the fresh and dry weight of tomato plants (g plant⁻¹) compared to inoculated plants (for fresh weight: 50, 66.6, and 86.6 and for dry weight: 60, 100, and 120%, respectively). Total phenols and flavonoids as well as antioxidant enzymes were increased in inoculated or non-inoculated tomato plants after being treated with aqueous extracts of C. procera. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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18 pages, 3089 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Application of Rosemary and Eucalyptus Essential Oils and Their Main Component on the Preservation of Apple and Pear Fruits

by Panayiota Xylia, Antonios Chrysargyris, Zienab F. R. Ahmed and Nikolaos Tzortzakis

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110479 - 9 Nov 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4608

Abstract

Nowadays, increase fruit losses are being reported due to the development of fungal postharvest diseases. In an attempt to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides, a turn towards natural products such as essential oils (EOs) and natural compounds has been made. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of eucalyptus (Euc), rosemary (Ros) EO, their mixture (50:50 v/v) and their common main component (i.e., eucalyptol) on the quality parameters, fruit response and inhibition of blue rot (Penicillium expansum) in apple and pear fruits during their shelf life. The results of the present study revealed that fungal colony growth decreased in vitro with exposure at eucalyptus EO (Euc-300 μL/L), rosemary EO (Ros-300 μL/L) and their mixture (Euc + Ros 100 and 300 μL/L). The exposure at Ros-100 μL/L stimulated spore production, whilst Euc + Ros (100 and 300 μL/L) and eucalyptol (100 and 300 μL/L) decreased spore germination. Moreover, the in vivo applied treatments resulted in decreased lesion growth of P. expansum in apple and pear fruits. Respiration rate increased with the application of Euc + Ros at 300 μL/L and eucalyptus EO (Euc-100 μL/L and Euc-300 μL/L) for both assessed fruits. On the other hand, no significant differences were reported on apples and pears total soluble solids and acidity values. The application of Euc + Ros-300 μL/L in apples increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels, whilst Euc-100 and Euc-300 μL/L increased lipid peroxidation levels. Regarding pear fruits, exposure to Euc-100 μL/L and Ros-100 μL/L resulted in increased H₂O₂ whereas, Euc-100 μL/L, Ros- (100 and 300 μL/L) and eucalyptol (100 and 300 μL/L) also increased lipid peroxidation. The findings of this study indicate that the investigated natural products can be explored for the preservation of fresh apples and pears, as alternative natural fungicides with consideration of the fresh produce quality attributes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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10 pages, 6389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Control of Penicillium expansum by an Epiphytic Basidiomycetous Yeast

by Simona Marianna Sanzani, Michele Sgaramella, Saveria Mosca, Michele Solfrizzo and Antonio Ippolito

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110473 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2262

Abstract

Postharvest biocontrol agents are considered a viable alternative to the use of synthetic chemicals as demonstrated by extensive research conducted by scientists and companies worldwide. In the present investigation, the biocontrol potential of a carotenoid-producing basidiomycetous yeast isolated from table grape flowers was analyzed. The strain RY1 proved to be Sporobolomyces roseus. In vitro and in vivo tests were conducted to assess its efficacy against Penicillium expansum, one of the most important postharvest pathogens and producer of the mycotoxin patulin. The yeast proved to control both fungal growth and patulin production, and, in addition, to greatly affect disease incidence and severity on apples. Its mode of action is presumably related both to the competition for nutrients and the production of antifungal volatiles. As such, although further large-scale trials are needed, our S. roseus strain represents a potential interesting biocontrol agent to be applied after harvest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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16 pages, 2520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stability of Dry and Liquid Metschnikowia pulcherrima Formulations for Biocontrol Applications against Apple Postharvest Diseases

by Andreas Bühlmann, Sandrine Kammerecker, Laurin Müller, Maja Hilber-Bodmer, Sarah Perren and Florian M. Freimoser

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110459 - 3 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2668

Abstract

The yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima is frequently isolated from environmental samples and has often been reported to exhibit strong antagonistic activity against plant pathogens. In order to assess the potential of this species for its development into a plant protection product, the survival during formulation and storage were quantified and field efficacy was assessed over a period of five years. Freeze dried and liquid M. pulcherrima formulations (i.e., with skim milk powder (SMP), sucrose, glycerol, xanthan, without additives) were prepared and the number of viable cells was quantified during storage at different temperatures. Field trials against apple postharvest diseases (Neofabreae) were performed with different dry formulations. M. pulcherrima proved exceptionally stable for many months and even years. Five years of field trials with the yeast revealed variable effects, but reduced Neofabreae infections of stored apples were observed in some years. M. pulcherrima applications after prior fungicide treatments repeatedly showed an additive effect as compared to the fungicide treatments alone. In summary, M. pulcherrima exhibited highly advantageous storage properties and encouraging activity against apple postharvest rots. Further studies to identify the factors responsible for antagonistic activity in the field and survival during storage are expected to lay the foundation for the future development of a plant protection product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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10 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Dominance of Chitosan Hydrochloride over Modern Natural Agents or Basic Substances in Efficacy against Phytophthora infestans, and Its Safety for the Non-Target Model Species Eisenia fetida

by Martin Žabka and Roman Pavela

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100366 - 5 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2251

Abstract

Growing pressure to reduce the environmental pesticide burden has the greatest impact on agriculture and crop protection. There is an enormous increase in the demand for research on new, effective, naturally based agents that do not pose an environmental risk. Phytophthora infestans is one of the most destructive phytopathogens, especially in cases where synthetic fungicides are not allowed. This paper describes the high efficacy and safety of the natural polymer chitosan under in vitro and in vivo conditions and its dominance over other natural agents or products. Chitosan demonstrated the highest efficacy against P. infestans. A concentration of 0.2–0.4% was highly effective. The protective effect of chitosan was 99.3% in natural conditions. Direct activity, equivalent to synthetic fungicides (MIC50 0.293 mg/mL), was confirmed. Chitosan was rated non-toxic to useful non-target species. We promote further chitosan expansion within legislation and implementation of chitosan as a safe substance that could reduce the pesticide burden, particularly in eco-friendly plant protection and production of non-harmful foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

9 pages, 1326 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Changes in the Fungal Community Assembly of Apple Fruit Following Postharvest Application of the Yeast Biocontrol Agent Metschnikowia fructicola

by Antonio Biasi, V. Yeka Zhimo, Ajay Kumar, Ahmed Abdelfattah, Shoshana Salim, Oleg Feygenberg, Michael Wisniewski and Samir Droby

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100360 - 4 Oct 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3663

Abstract

Recently, increasing focus has been placed on exploring fruit microbiomes and their association with their hosts. Investigation of the fruit surface microbiome of apple has revealed variations in the composition and structure depending on management practices, phenological stages, and spatial distribution on the fruit itself. However, the fate of the fruit surface microbiome assembly and dynamics in apple following interventions such as the application of biocontrol agents remains unknown. The objective of the study was to explore the effect of a postharvest application of a yeast biocontrol agent, Metschnikowia fructicola, on the composition of the epiphytic fungal microbiota on apples during cold storage. Our results demonstrated that the applied biocontrol agent, M. fructicola, persisted in high abundance (>28% relative abundance) on the fruit surface throughout the storage period. The biocontrol application significantly decreased the richness and caused a significant shift in the overall composition and structure of the fungal microbiome relative to untreated or water-treated controls. The yeast application reduced the abundance of several apple fungal pathogens, namely, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Comoclatris, Stemphylium, Nigrospora, Penicillium, and Podosphaera, throughout the cold storage period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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12 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Post-Harvest Non-Conventional and Traditional Methods to Control Cadophora luteo-olivacea: Skin Pitting Agent of Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (A. Chev.)

by Alessandra Di Francesco, Michele Di Foggia, Alessio Vittoria and Elena Baraldi

Horticulturae 2021, 7(7), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7070169 - 1 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

Cadophora luteo-olivacea represents a critical problem for kiwifruit in the post-harvest phase, mainly for its little note epidemiology. The study presented some results about the possibility of preserving kiwifruit from skin pitting symptoms using alternative methods to fungicides. By in vitro assays, antagonist mechanisms of action against pathogen isolates were tested. Trichoderma harzianum (Th1) showed the highest inhibitory activity against C. luteo-olivacea isolates by volatile, non-volatile, and by dual culture assay, displaying an inhibition respectively by 90%, 70.6%, and 78.8%, and with respect to Aureobasidium pullulans (L1 and L8) by 23.3% and 25.8%, 50% and 34.7%, and 22.5% and 23.6%, respectively. Further, the sensitivity on CFU and mycelial growth of C. luteo-olivacea isolates to fludioxonil, and CaCl₂ was tested, displaying interesting EC50 values (0.36 and 0.92 g L⁻¹, 22.5 g L⁻¹, respectively). The effect of Brassica nigra defatted meal was tested as biofumigation assays and through FT-IR (Fourier-Transform Infrared) spectroscopy. The above-mentioned treatments were applied in vivo to evaluate their efficacy on kiwifruits. Our data demonstrated that alternative solutions could be considered to control postharvest pathogens such as C. luteo-olivacea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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Review

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34 pages, 1146 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances and Perspectives in the Use of Biocontrol Agents against Fungal Plant Diseases

by Davide Palmieri, Giuseppe Ianiri, Carmine Del Grosso, Giuseppe Barone, Filippo De Curtis, Raffaello Castoria and Giuseppe Lima

Horticulturae 2022, 8(7), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070577 - 25 Jun 2022

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 19423

Abstract

The use of synthetic fungicides to control fungal diseases has growing limitations due to eco-toxicological risks. Therefore, it is necessary to replace or integrate high risk chemicals with safer tools for human health and environment. Consequently, research on the selection, evaluation, characterization, and use of biocontrol agents (BCAs) has consistently increased in the last decades. BCA formulates, particularly in some countries, are still scarce in coping with the growing demand for their use in sustainable agricultural management. To foster development and utilization of new effective bioformulates, there is a need to optimize BCA activity, to share knowledge on their formulation processes and to simplify the registration procedures. Studies based on new molecular tools can significantly contribute to achieve such objectives. The present review provides the state of the art on biocontrol of fungal plant diseases with special emphasis on (i) features of the most studied BCAs; (ii) key strategies to optimize selection and use of BCAs (iii); mechanisms of action of the main BCAs; (iv) molecular tools and metagenomic studies in the selection and use of BCAs; (v) main issues and constraints in the registration and commercialization of BCAs, and (vi) perspectives in the biocontrol of fungal plant diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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16 pages, 1736 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insight into a Successful Development of Biocontrol Agents: Production, Formulation, Packaging, and Shelf Life as Key Aspects

by Neus Teixidó, Josep Usall and Rosario Torres

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040305 - 4 Apr 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7371

Abstract

Biocontrol agents (BCAs) have been proposed and studied over recent decades as a suitable alternative to diminish or substitute synthetic fungicides used to control pre- and postharvest diseases. However, the development of BCAs has many constraints and obstacles that would have to be overcome before they could be successfully implemented in the market. For the BCA commercial development, the microorganism should be mass-produced on a large-scale, and, independently of the method used for the production, a particular plan regarding the formulation of BCAs by multidisciplinary approaches (liquid or solid) is required to optimize the yield, efficacy, and shelf life of the developed product. Unfortunately, not all BCAs can survive the conditions imposed during the formulation process. Improved stability can be achieved by either using special conditions during growing or by adding protective substances to the formulation medium. Finally, BCAs should be formulated in such a way as to guarantee long-term stability and ease of application of the product. Therefore, an accurate range of the packaging conditions should be considered to extend the shelf life of the formulated product, preferably up to two years. Herein, we discussed the main aspects regarding the production, formulation, packaging, and shelf life of BCAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Pre- and Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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