URBAN FARMER

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[av_heading heading=’Durogista gintiro sControl of postharvest diseases’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Monday, February 27, 2017
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IN THE production of different fruits and vegetables, significant losses can be attributed, primarily, to postharvest decays that are caused by harmful microorganisms or microbial pathogens.

To address the issue, a research project has found that HiYEAST, a biocontrol agent, can effectively control postharvest diseases in mango, banana, calamansi, peanut, onion, garlic, and tomato.

The project was funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), which is under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

It is being implemented by the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) through the leadership of Dr. Severina B. Exconde.

It was learned that Exconde’s research was driven by the need to develop new and safer methods of controlling postharvest diseases in lieu of synthetic fungicides that reportedly pose risks to human health, including the environment.

One such method is the biological control approach of using microbial antagonists such as yeasts, fungi, and bacteria.

Applying yeasts, in particular, as biocontrol agents for postharvest diseases offers a promising alternative to chemical control.

Exconde screened 47 isolates, 27 of which showed antagonistic activity against fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Antagonistic yeast isolates were developed into biocontrol agents or products using a carrier and binder.

Various tests on toxicity showed that the products are safe to humans.

Two of the yeast products were named as HiYEAST, particularly HiYEAST Dh (Debaryomyces hansenii), and HiYEAST Sc (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

These biocontrol agents are in powdered form and packed in polypropylene bags, and each pack contains 20 grams of the HiYEAST powder.

Laboratory and pot experiments have showed that HiYEAST Dh was effective against crown rot and anthracnose.

These are postharvest diseases in banana caused by the fungus Colletotrichum musae.

It was also effective against Aspergillus flavus, a fungus which causes production of aflatoxin in garlic and nuts.

On the other hand, HiYEAST Sc was effective against anthracnose, a major postharvest disease of mango caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Hi-YEAST Sc was also effective against aflatoxin-causing disease in garlic and green mold disease in calamansi caused by the fungus Penicillium digitatum.

In terms of application, the product can be simply sprinkled on onions and garlic.

For banana and calamansi, mix thoroughly one pack of HiYEAST in 20 liters of clean water and submerge the fruits into the mixture for 30 to 40 minutes.

Dry them before storing, but make sure that the fruits are clean and without latex before applying HiYEAST.

Exconde said that “integration with other existing postharvest treatment such as hot water treatment must be considered to bring about a more complete disease control or management. More packing house trials must be done and preharvest treatment of mango, banana, tomato, garlic, onion, and peanut must also be considered.”

Further studies will be undertaken to evaluate effects of the yeast application on the control of postharvest diseases in crops in production areas.

While awaiting the results of studies, the products are not yet commercially available./PN

 

 

 

 

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