Russia: Yeast on plum surface may protect against pathogens

Scientists have identified two promising strains of yeast, on the basis of which they will produce biological preparations for plums. Scientists at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station of the Agricultural Research Service in Kearneysville, West Virginia, have discovered that certain yeasts naturally present on the surface of plums may be helpful in protecting stone fruits from brown rot, writes Sharon Durham in an article posted on www.growingproduce. .com. …Naturally occurring yeasts can be very helpful in protecting stone fruits from pathogens that attack them after harvest. USDA scientists studied the microflora on the plum surface to find potential biocontrol agents against brown rot. At the Appalachian Fruit Research Station of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Kearneysville, West Virginia, plant pathologist Wojciech Janisiewicz and colleagues have determined that several species of yeast live on the surface of the plum tree with excellent potential for use as a ...