Antifungal activity and biocontrol potential of Paenibacillus polymyxa HT16 against white rot pathogen (Coniella diplodiella Speq.) in table grapes

Abstract

Paenibacillus polymyxa HT16 was evaluated for its ability to reduce white rot disease caused by Coniella diplodiella. HT16 showed significant inhibitory effects on C. diplodiella in vitro, reducing white rot disease in ‘Kyoho’ and ‘Thompson Seedless’ table grape varieties by more than 40% after inoculation. Liquid cultures were more effective than washed cell suspensions or cell-free supernatants, and a higher content of, and longer incubation time with, strain HT16 were more effective in reducing disease incidence. The spore germination rate and mycelial morphology of C. diplodiella were adversely affected by HT16. These results suggested that HT16 may be a promising biocontrol agent against pre-harvest and post-harvest decay in table grapes.

Keywords:

• inhibitory effect
• Paenibacillus polymyxa
• table grape
• biocontrol
• food preservation

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge financial support from Scientific Research and Development Plan of Shijiazhuang City, PR China (131490092A).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.