Postharvest blue mold in apples caused by Penicillium expansum poses a great risk to food safety. Here, we report on a phytopathogen targeted enrichment strategy that led to the isolation of an endophytic biocontrol agent (BCA), Bacillus subtilis 507, with strong antagonism against P. expansum. Using a unique dual application approach that combines both live BCA and its crude metabolites (Bac + CM), our result showed an enhanced efficacy. Relative to the control, the disease incidence of blue mold in apples was reduced by 45.95% and lesion diameter was limited to 19.18 mm. Untargeted metabolomics identified bioactive compounds, including 3-phenyllactic acid, pipecolic acid, and spermine, suggesting direct antifungal activity and host based modulation. The mechanistic investigations showed that Bac + CM inhibited spore germination up to 37.3%, and depletion of ergosterol with 97.09% cellular membrane leakage. Fungal hyphal deformation and structural collapse were confirmed by SEM. The BCA rapidly colonized apple fruit wounds and surfaces up to 9.4 log10CFU and reduced natural decay to 5.13% without affecting fruit quality. This study presents a combined, metabolite-enhanced biocontrol strategy that positions B. subtilis 507 as a promising candidate for sustainable management of postharvest food diseases such as blue mold in apples.
Aasia Muhammed Jamiu, Asuama Kwasi Yeboah, Qu Xin Yue et al.· Journal of food microbiology· 0 citations
Postharvest losses of horticultural produce, primarily due to microbial decay, remain a major challenge to global food security, accounting for 35–50% of production annually. To control this, overuse of synthetic fungicides has led to pathogen resistance, environmental contamination, and health concerns, prompting a shift toward sustainable biocontrol agents (BCAs). This review comprehensively examines the potential of microbial antagonists (yeasts, bacteria, and fungi), plant-based agents (essential oils and extracts), and natural compounds (e.g., chitosan, alginate, organic acids, etc.) for managing postharvest diseases in fruits and vegetables. Key mechanisms of action including competition for nutrients and space, production of antifungal metabolites and enzymes, biofilm formation, induction of host resistance, and volatile organic compounds are discussed in detail. Application strategies (pre- and postharvest), synergistic integrations with physical/chemical treatments, advantages over conventional pesticides, and major challenges (e.g., formulation stability, regulatory hurdles, and commercialization) are critically analyzed. Emerging approaches such as omics technologies, microbial consortia, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology offer promising avenues to enhance BCA efficacy and consistency. This review highlights successful examples and future perspectives of BCAs in postharvest diseases control setup and more importantly their co-applications together with other natural disease control methods and technologies. Finally, it underscores BCAs as viable, eco-friendly alternatives that can extend shelf life, preserve quality, and support sustainable postharvest management.
Esa Abiso Godana, Gerefa Sefu Edo, Sebahat Oztekin et al.· Frontiers in Nutrition· 0 citations