The Use of Mycoendophyte-Based Bioformulations to Control Apple Diseases: Toward an Organic Apple Production System in the Aurès (Algeria)

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of bioformulations based on endophytic fungi to control apple scab and Valsa canker disease in two orchards in the Aurès region (Algeria). In both orchards, the results showed that the treatment of senescent apple leaves by invert emulsions containing Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Chaetomium globosum harmed the ascogenesis of winter forms of Venturia inaequalis by reducing the number of ascospore-ejecting asci, the number of morphologically mature asci, and a considerable increase in the immature asci number. This antifungal activity was more essential in soil-incorporated leaves, showing the importance of the combination of treatments with cultural practices to efficiently control the apple scab disease. Furthermore, the disease incidence decreased by 52.63% and 50.68% in R’haouat and Bouhmama orchards, respectively. Moreover, the treatment of Valsa ceratosperma cankers with a biogel containing the endophytic yeast Metschnikowia sp. led to wound healing varying from 43.52% and 87.97% after 120 days but remained more considerable than conventional treatment with Folicur (tebuconazol). The current results open real opportunities concerning the implementation of eco-friendly and potent apple protection systems.

Phytochemical characterization of forest leaves extracts and application to control apple postharvest diseases

“…The antifungal potential of several plant extracts was linked to their phytochemical composition and bioactive compounds like phenolic acids. Phenolic can trigger the plant's natural defense responses, leading to increased production of antifungal compounds and strengthening the plant's cell walls 2 . The hydroxyl groups of phenolics disrupt the cell membranes of Colletotrichum spp.…”

“…Fungal infections are regarded as the most damaging postharvest diseases for fresh fruits, producing significant economic losses due to their negative impact on market value and fruit shelf life 1 . However, the establishment of fungal infections in fruit has therefore several consequences, ranging from yield lowering and quality depressing in the fields to retarding their nutritive value and rapid perishing after harvesting 2 , 3 . Furthermore, infected fruits with fungal pathogens pose an impending health risk through mycotoxins production, such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisin are produced by Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., and Fusarium spp.…”

“…In the absence of effective plant protection management, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Alternaria alternata can result in significant yield losses of up to 100% of total apple production 2 , 7 , 11 . Therefore, the development of alternative safe and natural methods for controlling fungal diseases has become an urgent need 11 , 12 .…”

The Evaluation of the Grade of Leaf Disease in Apple Trees Based on PCA-Logistic Regression Analysis

“…Apple disease control has aroused significant attention from farmers who usually identify apple diseases using costly and ineffective methods (i.e., following experience, books, the internet, and expert advice) [4]. Accordingly, automatic detection methods should be adopted to identify disease types and levels more accurately in apple production [5][6][7][8]. The method can be employed to monitor apple health in the long term and effectively assess apple diseases, such that subsequent timely control can be facilitated, and economic efficiency can be increased [9].…”