CONTROL OF GREEN AND BLUE MOLDS OF CITRUS FRUITS USING SOME BIOCONTROL AGENTS

Аннотация

The control of green and blue molds caused by Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum has remained a persistent challenge in citrus postharvest management. Conventional synthetic fungicides have provided short-term relief but also generated serious concerns related to resistance development, environmental contamination, and human health hazards. The present research examined the efficacy of selected biocontrol agents, including Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, in the suppression of green and blue molds in citrus fruits. The study explored the antagonistic interactions between these microbial agents and the pathogenic fungi under controlled laboratory and storage conditions. Results demonstrated significant inhibition of fungal growth and improved fruit shelf life when treated with biological antagonists compared to untreated controls. This study highlights the promising potential of biocontrol approaches as sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides in maintaining citrus fruit quality and ensuring safer food production systems.