Biological control of strawberry diseases by Aureobasidium pullulans and sugar beet extract under field conditions

Abstract Grey mould (caused by Botrytis cinerea ) is the most important pathogen underlying high fungicide dependence in strawberry fields. Reliable biocontrol agents (BCAs) with improved efficiency are needed to replace fungicides. The yeast-like beneficial fungus Aureobasidium pullulans (AP-SLU6) has previously exhibited great potential combat grey greenhouse environments. Here we report results from a two-year full-factorial field trial conventional field, which tested two different concentrations of A. (10 7 CFU/ml and 10 6 CFU/ml) sugar beet extract (SBE). showed that all treatments reduced severity postharvest increased shelf life harvested fruit both years. best effect was achieved using highest conidial concentration , also resulted 53% higher production compared control treatment at end season, indicating plant-growth promoting BCA. These reveal spray applications these novel BCAs contribute reliable mould, leading improvement sales boxes. findings suggest SBE can shift chemical fungicides sustainable methods without compromising cropping security.