Biocontrole de Botrytis cinerea em morangos pós-colheita

Abstract

The fungus Botrytis cinerea is the major pathogen responsible for the disease known as "grey mould" in post harvest strawberry. The control of these diseases requires the preventive application of fungicides, increasing the cost of production, allowing the emergence of resistant crops and leave residues in fruits treated. Thus biological control becomes a viable alternative, since it leaves no residues in fruits. Many researchers cite the yeasts as a potential antagonists to reduce these inconveniences, for presenting the killer factor, able to inhibit the development of other microorganisms without leaving toxic residues. The present study aimed to employ yeasts antagonists in the control of Botrytis cinerea in postharvest strawberry. A total of 24 yeasts were isolated, avaliated the ability of killer. Two yeasts were identified through the commercial kit RapidTM Yeast Plus System, as Candida lambica (isolated MC 16) and Candida zeylanoides (isolated MC17). These showed potential antagonistic against Botrytis cinerea. Considering the few literary accounts of killer activity of these species, the results indicate that the discovery of new bioactive substances is promising, and perform additional tests "in vivo", aiming at practical and safe aplication in postharvest strawberry.