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

The potential of the yeast Candida oleophila for postharvest control of PenicilliLun expansum infection on nectarines was assessed on wound-inoculated fruits held at 20 degrees C, or at 0 degrees C in either air or controlled atmosphere storage, In addition, the efficacy of a prestorage dip with a yeast suspension, the fungicide dicloran, or a combination of the two, for controlling natural infections following storage was examined. C. oleophila reduced the level of infection caused by P. expansum in harvested nectarines. The yeast's effectiveness was not reduced by controlled atmosphere storage or by application together with the commercial fungicide dicloran.