Research project Post harvest application of biological control organisms (BCOs) against fruit storage disease

General introduction

In the control of storage diseases of apple and pear, several methods are available for the fruit grower. The available pre- and post-harvest treatments, however, all have their limitations.

Biological control of storage diseases using biological control organisms (BCOs) provides a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative and opens perspectives for further integrated production. The main question is how to implement this post-harvest application efficiently.

Research approach

The aim of this project is to develop a new application for the post-harvest treatments with biological control organisms. The challenges in this project are the specific formulation of the spray liquid and the development of appropriate spray techniques for efficient treatment. CFD modelling is used to investigate the interaction between storage room, equipment and BCOs.

Secondly, the developed technique is tested in cold stores and the efficiency to control fruit rot is determined. Based on these preliminary tests, guidelines for such applications will be provided.

Relevance/Valorization

The results from this project can contribute to the introduction of a new strategy concerning post-harvest fruit treatments. A positive validation of the technique can result in a large-scale application in the auctions or at growers who have their own storage facilities. If efficient post-harvest applications are applied, 1/3 of the pre-harvest treatments aimed at storage moulds could be eliminated. Moreover, the legal requirements concerning residues could be easily met due to the use of biological agents. In addition, it is in response to an improved anti-resistance strategy, and reaches a higher level of integrated fruit production.