Biological control of botrytis bunch rot in organic wine grapes with the yeast antagonist Candida sake CPA‐1

Abstract

The aim of this research was to confirm the efficacy of the yeast antagonist Candida sake CPA-1 in suppressing botrytis bunch rot development, in an organic vineyard under Mediterranean conditions for two seasons, and compare its performance with that of two biologically based products currently registered for botrytis bunch rot control in New Zealand. In 2009, treatments applied were: commercial formulations of Ulocladium oudemansii (BOTRY-Zen ® ) and chitosan (ARMOUR-Zen ® ), C. sake CPA-1 combined with the fatty acid-based additive Fungicover ® and combinations of these products. All treatments were applied six times between early flowering and harvest and compared with an unsprayed control. In 2010, the treatments focused on C. sake and Fungicover and the number of applications was reduced from six to four. The population dynamics of U. oudemansii and C. sake were measured and wine quality tests were carried out in both seasons. Disease control achieved by C. sake treatments in 2009 were comparable to those achieved by BOTRY-Zen and ARMOUR-Zen. Applications of C. sake plus Fungicover between flowering and harvest significantly (P < 0Á05) reduced botrytis bunch rot incidence and severity by 64% and 90%, respectively, compared with the untreated control in 2009, and by 67% and 89%, respectively, in 2010. Treatments did not adversely affect wine quality parameters after treated grapes were processed. Candida sake consistently provided effective control of botrytis bunch rot in grapes under different meteorological and disease pressure conditions, thereby improving its potential for future commercial applications.

Biological control of fruit rots on strawberry and grape by BOTRY-Zen

“…Donmez et al (2011) showed that antagonistic bacterial strains Bacillus C6, Brevibacterium MFD-47, Enterobacter MFD-81 and Pantoea MFD-232 inhibited Botrytis cinerea and they have a potential use in sustainable strawberry production. Calvo-Garrido et al (2012) reported that Candida sake consistently provided effective control of botrytis bunch rot in grape under different meteorological and disease pressure conditions, thereby improving its potential for future commercial applications.…”

Mode of action of a fatty acid-based natural product to control Botrytis cinerea in grapes

“…Moreover, this product demonstrated some efficacy against BBR when used alone (Calvo‐Garrido et al . ). These findings stimulated the research on the mechanisms by which B. cinerea control was achieved by fatty acid–based products, such as FC and PRT.…”

“…Recently, a less concentrated formulation of FC (Fungicover ® Base) achieved similar reductions of B. cinerea in field applications (Calvo‐Garrido et al . ) and laboratory experiments (Calvo‐Garrido et al . ) and, to our knowledge, the present research and the client reports on PRT published by Henry Manufacturing Ltd (http://www.henrymanufacturing.co.nz/products/protectorhml/) are the only studies showing efficacy of fatty acid–based NPs against B. cinerea of grapes in the field and in laboratory studies.…”

“…) and BBR incidence and severity at harvest (Calvo‐Garrido et al . ). Nonetheless, control of B. cinerea infection by FC has not been quantified under controlled conditions and the mode of action against B. cinerea remains unclear.…”

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea limits grape production in Chile

“…Following this concept, several new approaches to strengthen biological control are being studied. These approaches include the combination of two or more antagonistic strains, the induction of natural biological processes (e.g., inducing systemic resistance) (El Ghaouth et al, 2003;Reglinski et al, 2005), the use of natural antimicrobial products (e.g., chitosan, lysozyme) and plant resistance (Calvo-Garrido et al, 2013, 2014bDroby et al, 2009). In addition, the identification and use of yeasts, which are normal components on the surface of grape berries, have been studied for their capacity as biocontrol agents (Nally et al, 2012;Parafati et al, 2015;Vargas et al, 2012).…”