EFFICACY OF CANDIDA-OLEOPHILA STRAIN-182 IN PREVENTING PENICILLIUM-EXPANSUM INFECTION OF NECTARINE FRUITS

The potential of the yeast Candida oleophila for postharvest control o f PenicilliLun expansum infection on nectarines was assessed on wound- inoculated fruits held at 20 degrees C, or at 0 degrees C in either ai r or controlled atmosphere storage, In addition, the efficacy of a pre storage dip with a yeast suspension, the fungicide dicloran, or a comb ination of the two, for controlling natural infections following stora ge was examined. C. oleophila reduced the level of infection caused by P. expansum in harvested nectarines. The yeast's effectiveness was no t reduced by controlled atmosphere storage or by application together with the commercial fungicide dicloran.