Biocontrol Science and Technology (2002) 12, 715-725

A. De Cal, I. Larena, B. Guijarro and P. Melgarejo (2002)
Mass production of conidia of Penicillium frequentans, a biocontrol agent against brown rot of stone fruits
Biocontrol Science and Technology 12 (6), 715-725
Abstract: Conidial production of Penicillium frequentans, a biocontrol agent of the fungal pathogen Monilinia laxa, was tested in liquid and solid-state fermentation. Conidial production of P. frequentans in solid-state fermentation was higher than in liquid-state fermentation. Solidstate fermentation was made in specially designed plastic bags (VALMIC^®) containing peat:vermiculite (1:1 w/w). Addition of nutrients to the peat:vermiculite increased conidial production of P. frequentans, especially when lentil meal was added. The number of conidia obtained in this solid-state fermentation was maintained in the range of 10⁸-10⁹ conidia g^-1 from 5 to 120 days after inoculation. Germinability of these conidia was > 90% until 90 days of incubation and declined at 120 days. Optimal initial moisture content in the substrate was 30-40% (v/w). At lower moisture contents, significant reductions in conidial production and germinability were observed, particularly at 10% (v/w). Conidial production was similar when the substrate was inoculated with 10⁵, 10⁶ or 10⁷ conidia g^-1 dry substrate. Fresh conidia produced by solid-state fermentation reduced the incidence of brown rot on plums by 75%.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Inmaculada Larena, Paloma Melgarejo

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
rearing/culturing/mass production

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Monilinia laxa
Penicillium frequentans (antagonist)	Monilinia laxa