The United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of

United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture

The State of Israel, Aro/peri

Edo Chalutz

Charles L Wilson

Randy J McLaughlin

Michael E Wisniewski

The present invention is drawn to biological control of plant pathogens (e.g. either preharvest or postharvest diseases) on agricultural commodities (such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, seeds and silage) by use of at least one microorganism which is an antagonist against plant pathogens.

Inhibiting plant pathogens with an antagonistic microorganism(s)

The present invention is drawn to isolates of Candida oleophila which are effective for the control of postharvest diseases in fruit and to biocontrol compositions which include such isolates. A method of utilizing the isolates to inhibit pathogens which cause postharvest diseases is also described. The organisms were isolated from the surface of tomato fruit and are useful for the control of a variety of fruit-rot pathogens in a variety of fruits.

Biological control of diseases of harvested agricultural commodities

The present invention is drawn to processes for biologically controlling postharvest disease in fruit using isolates of Pichia guilliermondii having the identifying characteristics of NRRL Y-18313, NRRL Y-18314, and NRRL Y-18654. The organisms were isolated from the surface of citrus fruits and are useful to control a variety of fruit-rot pathogens in a variety of fruits. Also disclosed is a biologically pure culture of at least one isolate of Pichia guilliermondii having the identifying characteristics of an isolate selected from the group consisting of NRRL Y-18313, NRRL Y-18314, and NRRL Y-18654.

Growing community of inventors

Rishon Lezion, Israel

Edo Chalutz