Compatibility of Bacillus subtilis for Postharvest Control of Peach Brown Rot with Commercial Fruit Waxes, Dicloran, and Cold-Storage Conditions. P. L. Pusey, Research Plant Pathologist, USDA-ARS, Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 87, Byron, GA 31008. C. L. Wilson, Research Plant Pathologist, USDA-ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Route 2, Box 45, Kearneysville, WV 25430; M. W. Hotchkiss, Research Technologist, USDA-ARS, Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 87, Byron, GA 31008; and J. D. Franklin, Research Technologist, USDA-ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Route 2, Box 45, Kearneysville, WV 25430. Plant Dis. 70:587-590. Accepted for publication 29 December 1985. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1986. DOI: 10.1094/PD-70-587.

Bacillus subtilis (strain B-3), previously shown effective against brown rot of harvested stone fruit, was tested further in the laboratory to determine whether the bacterium, as a substitute for a chemical fungicide, would be compatible with other postharvest agents or procedures used commercially. To wounded or nonwounded fruit, preparations of B-3 were applied in combination with commercial fruit waxes and dicloran, a fungicide used widely for Rhizopus control. Fruit were subsequently challenged with spores of Monilinia fructicola and incubated at 20 or 25 C. In a few instances, wax appeared to have a slight negative effect on the activity of B-3 against M. fructicola, but dicloran provided added protection against the fungus. When fruit treated with B-3 were subjected to simulated cold-storage conditions (2–4 C) for up to 21 days before the fungal-spore challenge and incubation at 20 C, antifungal activity was retained. The study indicates potential commercial application of B. subtilis for postharvest control of brown rot.

Keyword(s): Prunus persica.