Biocontrol of Botrytis cinerea DSM 5145, causing the postharvest diseases on grapes using Meyerozyma guilliermondii KL3

The aim of this study was to biocontrol Botrytis cinerea DSM 5145, which is predominant fungal pathogen responsible for postharvest diseases of grapes during the storage, by Meyerozyma guilliermondii KL3. Firstly the capability of Meyerozyma guilliermondii KL3 strain in order to biocontrol Botrytis cinerea DSM 5145 was determined in vitro, and then effect of yeast application on the quality parameters of grapes during storage period was determined in vivo. According to the results, Meyerozyma guilliermondii KL3 yeast achieved an inhibition with the ratio of 66 % on the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea DSM 5145 in dual culture assay. It was proved that Meyerozyma guilliermondii KL3 yeast strain possess the activities of protease, β-1,3 glucanase and gelatinase while not iron depletion mechanism. Additionally, competition for space and nutrients was found to be within the main mechanisms of actions of Meyerozyma guilliermondii KL3 strain. This antagonistic yeast showed a good potential for colonization on fruit wounds, and also contribute to the maintaining some quality parameters (weight loss, pH, total acidity, brix and texture) of table grapes during storage.