Field applications of improved formulations of Candida sake CPA-1 for control of Botrytis cinerea in grapes

• Published in: Biological control 2011-02, Vol.56 (2), p.150-158
• Main Authors: Cañamás, Teresa Paula, Viñas, Immaculada, Torres, Rosario, Usall, Josep, Solsona, Cristina, Teixidó, Neus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: application timing; Biological control; biological control agents; Biological formulations; Botrytis; Botrytis cinerea; Candida; Candida sake; Cell survival; Coatings; disease control; edible films; Efficacy; field experimentation; Flowering; Fruits; fungal antagonists; fungal diseases of plants; Fungicides; Fungicover; grapes; Grapevine; Heat; heat treatment; isotonic solutions; microbial pesticides; mortality; Persistence; pesticide formulations; plant pathogenic fungi; Rot; Sake; spraying; Survival; Vitaceae; Vitis vinifera
• ISSN: 1049-9644; 1090-2112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2010.11.007

[Display omitted] ► Spray applications of different formulations of Candida sake resulted in colonisation of bunches under field conditions and when combined with FC, C. sake had significantly higher survival rates (up to 50% higher) compared with C. sake without additive FC. ► Formulation of C. sake cells in an isotonic solution combined with FC resulted in Botrytis spp. control similarly than fungicide treatment. ► The potential of C. sake for biocontrol of Botrytis bunch rot of grapevine has been demonstrated. ► FC has a beneficial effect on the BCA, improving the persistence of C. sake cells on the host and its efficacy to levels comparable to fungicide treatment. ► It is possible to broaden the spectrum of use of BCAs using different formulation strategies and to thereby develop practical uses under field conditions. There is increasing interest in the use of biological control agents (BCAs) to replace synthetic fungicides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining different formulation strategies on the establishment, survival, persistence and efficacy of Candida sake CPA-1 applied in the field in order to control Botrytis cinerea in grapes. Different formulations of C. sake cells were applied at flowering, pea sized berries, veraison and before harvest. In 2005, heat adapted or non-adapted fresh cells of C. sake were tested. In 2006, these same treatments were tested but, in this case, the C. sake cells were also formulated in an isotonic solution. The compound Fungicover® (FC) an edible coating was evaluated as a potential additive for C. sake treatments. Spray applications of different formulations of C. sake resulted in colonisation of bunches under field conditions and when combined with FC, C. sake had significantly higher survival rates (up to 50% higher) compared with C. sake without additive FC. Formulation of C. sake cells in an isotonic solution combined with FC resulted in Botrytis spp. control similarly than fungicide treatment. The potential of C. sake for biocontrol of Botrytis bunch rot of grapevine has been demonstrated. FC has a beneficial effect on the BCA, improving the persistence of C. sake cells on the host and its efficacy to levels comparable to fungicide treatment. It is possible to broaden the spectrum of use of BCAs using different formulation strategies and to thereby develop practical uses under field conditions.