Isolation and identification of phytopathogenic fungi from blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and their biocontrol by Meyerozyma guilliermondii LMA-Cp01

In recent years, the use of biocontrol yeasts has been explored as an alternative to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides and protect the fruit from attack by phytopathogenic fungi. Among the yeasts studied, Meyerozyma guilliermondii has demonstrated its efficacy in inhibiting several pathogens in fruits such as mango, apple, pear, papaya, and citrus. Therefore, this study aimed to extend the spectrum of activity of M. guilliermondii in the control in vitro and in vivo of fungal pathogens (Botrytis cinerea and Cladosporium cladosporioides) of blueberry. In addition, the postharvest quality of blueberries (pH, titratable acidity, color, weight loss, firmness, and total soluble solids) was evaluated on fruit kept at two temperatures (10 and 25 °C). The pathogens, B. cinerea and C. cladosporioides were isolated and identified for their ability to cause disease in blueberries. The ability of M. guilliermondii strain LMA-Cp01 to inhibit the growth of these fungal isolates was tested and the yeast reduced the incidence of both fungi under ambient and storage temperature conditions. Therefore, this study suggests that M. guilliermondii LMA-Cp01 has good potential to be further characterized and possibly used as a biocontrol agent for controlling the growth of pathogenic fungi in blueberries, as a future alternative to chemical fungicides.