Botrytis rot - biological control

Research in other countries, particularly USA has identified various microbial antagonists of Botrytis which have been developed as biocontrol agents for use as post-harvest treatments.

  • These are generally also active against Penicillium rot. Examples include Yield Plus (yeasts ex South Africa).
  • These appear to be effective against wound fungi such as Botrytis and Penicillium, but not against orchard fungi, or Botrytis rot arising from latent infections of the calyx.
  • Currently there are no commercially available biocontrol agents approved for use on apples.