%0 Journal Article
%T Utilization of the antagonistic yeast, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, combined with UV-C to manage postharvest rot of potato tubers caused by Alternaria tenuissima.
%A Leng J
%A Dai Y
%A Qiu D
%A Zou Y
%A Wu X
%A Leng J
%A Dai Y
%A Qiu D
%A Zou Y
%A Wu X
%J Int J Food Microbiol
%V 377
%N 0
%D Sep 2022 16
%M 35691138
%F 5.911
%R 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109782
%X Postharvest rot of potato tubers caused by fungal pathogens is the main cause of significant economic losses, while also raising potential food safety issues. Integrated disease management, utilizing bio-safe and eco-friendly methods, represents a sustainable strategy for reducing postharvest losses in crops, including potato. In the current study, the application of the antagonistic yeast, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, combined with a UV-C treatment was evaluated for the management of postharvest Alternaria rot of potato tubers, caused by Alternaria tenuissima. Both W. anomalus and UV-C as individual treatments reduced the size of A. tenuissima infections on potato tubers, relative to the control, while the combined treatment of W. anomalus and UV-C exhibited the highest level of inhibition. W. anomalus or UV-C alone, and especially when used in combination, induced the expression of defense-related genes, including polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and β-1,3-glucanase, and also increased the level of flavonoids and lignin in potato tubers. Our findings indicate that the mechanism of action by which UV-C enhances the biocontrol effect of W. anomalus against postharvest Alternaria rot includes the activation of defense-related response in potato tubers. The integration of biocontrol agents and physical treatments (e.g., UV-C) represents an effective, eco-friendly hurdle technology for managing postharvest rot in potato.