Combined treatments based on biocontrol yeasts and agrochemicals or GRAS compounds to control postharvest decays of different fruit

Postharvest losses of fruit and vegetables are caused by different pathogenic fungi and some of them are also responsible for the production of toxic secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins. Currently postharvest decays are essentially managed by application of synthetic fungicides. Because of the side effects of chemicals and the possible risks posed on consumers and on the environment, in the last decades biocontrol agents (BCAs) were selected and proposed as safer alternatives. However, under commercial conditions the control of postharvest pathogens achieved by BCAs was sometimes unsatisfactory and resulted variable over time and/or level of disease pressure. To overcome these constraints and to pave the way to a large-scale implementation of biological control, our research was aimed to improve and stabilize the activity of selected biocontrol yeasts. With this in mind, we report and discuss results of experiments aimed at the optimization of biocontrol activity of selected BCAs and to reduce accumulation of mycotoxins in fruit by combining or alternating these beneficial microorganisms with agrochemicals or GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) compounds and/or by including BCAs in a suitable control schedule taking into account host and pathogen biology.