Aims: To investigate the potential of Pantoea agglomerans to control the major post-harvest diseases on Golden Delicious apples.
Methods and results: In laboratory trials, a high level of control of Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer was obtained with P. agglomerans. In semi-commercial trials at 1degrees C in air and a low oxygen atmosphere, the reduction of blue mould was 81% and 100%, respectively, and control of grey mould was achieved equally with P. agglomerans and imazalil. In trials at 1degrees C and seven atmosphere conditions, maximum reduction in decay was 80% obtained at 3% O2-6% CO2. The population of P. agglomerans on apples followed the same pattern under all three atmosphere conditions studied.
Conclusions: Pantoea agglomerans could be used effectively on apples under a wide range of temperature and atmosphere conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMAPCT OF THE STUDY Pantoea agglomerans can be used as a biocontrol agent on apples at 8 x 10(7) cfu ml-1, the same concentration as in pears. This will facilitate the application of this biological control agent by the growers in packing houses.