Recent Insights into the Use of Antagonistic Yeasts for Sustainable Biomanagement of Postharvest Pathogenic and Mycotoxigenic Fungi in Fruits with Their Prevention Strategies against Mycotoxins

Abstract

Fungi-induced postharvest diseases are the leading causes of food loss and waste. In this context, fruit decay can be directly attributed to phytopathogenic and/or mycotoxin-producing fungi. The U.N. Sustainable Development Goals aim to end hunger by 2030 by improving food security, sustainable agriculture, and food production systems. Antagonistic yeasts are one of the methods presented to achieve these goals. Unlike physical and chemical methods, harnessing antagonistic yeasts as a biological method controls the decay caused by fungi and adsorbs and/or degrades mycotoxins sustainably. Therefore, antagonistic yeasts and their antifungal mechanisms have gained importance. Additionally, mycotoxins’ biodetoxification is carried out due to the occurrence of mycotoxin-producing fungal species in fruits. Combinations with processes and agents have been investigated to increase antagonistic yeasts’ efficiency. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive summary of studies on preventing phytopathogenic and mycotoxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins in fruits, as well as biocontrolling and biodetoxification mechanisms.

Phylloplane Yeasts on Cocoa and Their Abilities to Inhibit Phytophthora palmivora In Vitro

“…This advantage allows phylloplane yeasts to outcompete other microorganisms, including pathogens, for resources and living space, both in vitro and in vivo. According to Oztekin et al (2023), an antagonist agent is considered effective if it can compete with other microorganisms or pathogens to acquire space, nutrients, and resources effectively, both in vitro and in vivo.…”

Yeast Warriors: Exploring the Potential of Yeasts for Sustainable Citrus Post-Harvest Disease Management

“…In the treatment of post-harvest diseases in citrus using yeast, the predominant mechanisms employed by these antagonists include competition for nutrients and space, mycoparasitism, toxin production, induction of host resistance, secretion of antifungal volatile compounds and the utilization of cell wall lytic enzymes. These mechanisms collectively constitute the primary biocontrol strategies demonstrated by antagonistic yeasts in the context of citrus post-harvest disease management [106][107][108][109].…”

Biological Control of Green Mold in Simulated Post-harvest Chain of Citrus Fruit: Efficacy ofCandida oleophilaStrain O and Molecular Insight into Elicitation of Host Immune System

“…and Rhodotorula spp. (Droby et al, 1993;Hammami et al, 2022;Kowalska et al, 2022;Liu et al, 2013;Oztekin et al, 2023;Zhang et al, 2020). Candida species, particularly Candida oleophila, are at the forefront of commercial biopesticides, due to their positive effects on plants both as biological control agent and elicitor of plant defense response (Kowalska et.…”