N. Teixido et al., Improving control of green and blue molds of oranges by combining Pantoea agglomerans (CPA-2) and sodium bicarbonate, EUR J PL P, 107(7), 2001, pp. 685-694
The potential of using Pantoea agglomerans (strain CPA-2) alone, or in comb
ination with sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate solutions, for control
of Penicillium digitatum (green mold) and Penicillium italicum (blue mold)
on oranges was investigated under ambient (20 degreesC) and cold storage (3
degreesC) conditions. P. agglomerans controlled both pathogens on oranges
at 2 x 10(8) cfu ml(-1). The biocontrol agent was found to be completely to
lerant to 2% sodium bicarbonate at room temperature, although its culturabi
lity was reduced by > 1000-fold after 30 min in 2% sodium carbonate. The ef
ficacy of P. agglomerans for control of green mold was improved when combin
ed with sodium bicarbonate, resulting in complete and 97.6% reduction of de
cay incidence at 3 degreesC and 20 degreesC, when compared to untreated con
trols. Satisfactory results were also obtained with the combined treatment
for control of blue mold. P. agglomerans grew well inside wounds on oranges
at both 20 degreesC and 3 degreesC. In contrast, it showed a reduced growt
h on the surface of intact fruit. Sodium bicarbonate at 2% concentration di
d not noticeably affect antagonist population development. Thus, use of bic
arbonate treatment at 2% followed by the antagonist P. agglomerans CPA-2 co
uld be an alternative to chemicals for control of postharvest diseases on o
ranges.