Investigating the biocontrol potentiality of Wickerhamomyces anomalus against postharvest gray mold decay in cherry tomatoes

Gray mold decay caused by Botrytis cinerea is one of the primary postharvest diseases of cherry tomatoes globally, leading to considerable economic losses. This study aimed to assess the biocontrol efficacy of Wickerhamomyces anomalus against postharvest gray mold decay in cherry tomatoes. The results indicated that W. anomalus significantly reduced the gray mold decay in cherry tomatoes in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting cherry tomatoes' quality. W. anomalus developed rapidly in wounds and on surfaces of cherry tomatoes at both 20 +/- 2 degrees C and 4 +/- 2 degrees C, and reduced the spore germination and germ tube length of B. cinerea in vitro. W. anomalus could adapt to the environment and compete for the nutrients and space against the pathogens. Besides, W. anomalus significantly enhanced the activities of defense-related enzymes in cherry tomatoes, including polyphenoloxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL). Ultimately, the application of W. anomalus induced the disease resistance ability of cherry tomatoes. These findings suggested that W. anomalus could be a promising biocontrol agent to manage the postharvest gray mold decay in cherry tomatoes.

Automated summary

Wickerhamomyces anomalus showed significant biocontrol efficacy against postharvest gray mold decay in cherry tomatoes, reducing disease incidence in a concentration-dependent manner while not affecting fruit quality. The yeast was able to grow and compete with Botrytis cinerea at different temperatures, inhibiting spore germination and growth. Additionally, W. anomalus enhanced the activity of defense-related enzymes in cherry tomatoes, ultimately inducing disease resistance and making it a promising biocontrol agent for managing postharvest gray mold decay.