Studio di ceppi di Pseudomonas syringae per la difesa di agrumi dai marciumi in post-raccolta

Height Pseudomonas syringae strains were tested for their antagonistic properties against Penicillium digitatum, the causal agent of green mould of citrus. Several strains and their culture filtrates reduced the growth of the pathogen in in vitro assays and showed different activity, depending on the strain tested. In vivo antagonistic activity of the strains was evaluated on Tarocco orange and Monachello and Femminello lemon against P. digitatum. The incidence and severity of citrus decay in vivo were consistently reduced when the biocontrol agents were applied in wounds 24 h before challenging P. digitatum. These results indicate that Pseudomonas strains could be considered interesting biocontrol agents for citrus green mould, but further testing of the best strains here selected is needed under commercial conditions.