Efficacy of antagonistic yeasts in reducing grey mould on grape and effect on the fruit microbiome

Abstract: The efficacy of antagonistic yeast strains in reducing grey mould of grapes in postharvest was evaluated. Two trials were set up by treating inoculated grape bunches with yeast cell suspensions. Treatments showed significant rot reductions compared to the control. The efficacy of MS strain (Metschnikowia sp.) was comparable to the chemical treatment in both trials at all storage times. Moreover, a metabarcoding analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of the treatments on the microbial population of grapes. This study provides new insights for the development of sustainable strategies to reduce production losses.