POSTHARVESTLIFE

OBJETIVO

POSTHARVESTLIFE will develop new biocontrol strategies against Penicillium digitatum, the causal agent of green mould in citrus fruits, and Galactomyces citri-aurantii, which causes sour rot in citrus fruits and other vegetables (tomatoes, carrots). These innovative strategies will be based on the use of specific microorganisms with the unique ability to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause major losses during fruit post-harvest.

ACTIVITIES

Isolation and identification of microorganisms from citrus fruits
Characterisation, improvement and selection of microorganisms
Formulation and validation of the biocontrol agent

RESULTS

Throughout the project, extensive work was carried out on the isolation, characterisation and selection of antagonistic microorganisms, evaluating the antifungal activity of 1,627 strains. After different evaluation and validation phases, the most promising strains were selected and characterised at genomic and safety level.

As a result, microorganisms with high potential for post-harvest application have been identified.

The tests carried out showed that the formulation based on the evolved strain offers a very promising level of control, especially in oranges, achieving effective and sustainable alternatives. Its efficacy against pathogens that are difficult to control with currently available solutions is particularly noteworthy, representing a key advance both for conventional production and, especially, for organic production.

In a context marked by the reduction of active substances, increasing regulatory restrictions and the need for more sustainable solutions, POSTHARVESTLIFE has demonstrated the feasibility of an innovative, safe and effective biological solution, based on antagonistic microorganisms, for reducing post-harvest losses in citrus fruits.