Postharvest biocontrol activity of CaC<sub>l2</sub> and four yeasts against Penicillium digitatum was tested on Tarocco oranges. All tested organisms (Pichia anomala J121, Pichia guilliermondii NRRL Y18314, Debaryomyces hansenii DBVPG 4025 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae P1.6) significantly reduced mould incidence and severity. Application of CaCl<sub>2</sub> enhanced biocontrol efficacy of P. guilliermondii and S. cerevisiae, while it did not significantly affect biocontrol of P. anomala and D. hansenii.
A scanning electron microscope study of citrus fruits was performed to assess the colonization process of antagonistic yeasts to green mould of Tarocco oranges under artificial inoculation. Yeast suspensions of Debaryomyces hansenii DBVPG 4025, Pichia guilliermondii NRRL Y 18134, P. anomala J121 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae P1.6 with or without addition of 1% CaCl<sub>2</sub> + 0.1% Tween 80 were evaluated. Penicillium digitatum was sprayed one hour later. Observation of fruit surface waxes revealed marked morphological diversity. Yeast cells and conidia were mostly localized on epicuticular waxes, particularly in naturally occurring small pits. The size of the wound affected the number of yeasts and conidia penetrating inside. Treatment with CaCl<sub>2</sub> did not affect the waxes and/or the behaviour of the yeasts and pathogen.
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