Research in other countries, particularly USA, has identified various microbial antagonists of Penicillium which have been developed as biocontrol agents for use as post-harvest treatments for control of Penicillium rot.
- These have included both yeasts and bacteria some of which are commercially available elsewhere, although not in the UK, e.g., Yield Plus (yeast – South Africa).
- However, while these products appear to be effective against wound pathogens such as Penicillium or Botrytis, they are ineffective against the orchard fungi such as brown rot which are responsible for most rotting in store.
- Therefore at present these products are not worth exploring in apple.