Resumo

HERNANDEZ-LAUZARDO, Ana Niurka; BAUTISTA-BANOS, Silvia; VELAZQUEZ-DEL VALLE, Miguel Gerardo  e  HERNANDEZ-RODRIGUEZ, Annia. Use of antagonistic microorganisms to control posharvest diseases of fruits. Rev. mex. fitopatol [online]. 2007, vol.25, n.1, pp.66-74. ISSN 2007-8080.

Antagonistic microorganisms have been used as biological control agents for several postharvest diseases of fresh fruits. These microorganisms can be isolated from the surface of fruits or leaves. In order to properly use this type of microorganism, it is important to understand the action mechanisms involved in biocontrol activities which would allow a more secure development of the application processess and a base to select new and efficient strains. Basic biochemistry and molecular studies are required in order to elucidate the effect of antibiosis, nutrient competition, and the induction of resistance. In almost all biocontrol systems, a single biocontrol agent is applied. However it has been suggested the need to evaluate the effect of several combination of antagonists to assure an adequate disease control, reducing rates and minimizing the use of synthetic products, considering that the use of additives improve the effect of antagonist microorganisms.

Palavras-chave : Postharvest rots; biocontrol agents; antibiosis; lytic enzymes.