LAUSR

BACKGROUND In the last decade, there is a growing interest in reducing the use of chemical fungicides for postharvest decay control. In the research for new safe alternative, the combined application of bicontrol agents and passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has shown to be a promising strategy to extend fruit quality. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the combined application of MAP and two antagonistic yeasts, Metschnikowia pulcherrima L672 and Pichia kudriavzevii PK18, on sweet cherry shelf-life. RESULTS Microbiological, physico-chemical and quality fruit analysis from batches treated with antagonistic yeast were compared with a control batch without yeast application and a batch to which fludioxonil (Scholar®) was applied. The composition of the atmosphere and physico-chemical traits showed similar values among the different batches during cold storage. However, interestingly the combination of MAP with the antagonistic yeasts M. pulcherrima L672 and P. kudriavzevii PK18 increases the control of microbiological spoilage with results comparable to the application of fludioxonil. In addition, these batches experimented a slight decrease in volatile compounds associated with fresh fruit aroma, while in the control batch an increase of altered fruit aromas was observed. The same effect of control of spoilage was observed during shelf-life period. CONCLUSION These results showed the positive effect of the combination of antagonistic yeasts and MAP, obtaining similar results in terms of control of microbiological spoilage and physico-chemical quality compared to the application of fludioxonil. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.