Novel film‐forming formulations of the biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA‐1: biocontrol efficacy and performance at field conditions in organic wine grapes

BACKGROUND: The biocontrol agent (BCA)Candida sakeCPA-1 has previously effectively reducedBotrytisbunch rot (BBR) andit was also suggested as a promising strategy to control sour rot in grapes under field conditions. However, biocontrol efficacyof solid formulations of CPA-1 has never been tested in field trials. The present study aims to confirm the efficacy against BBRand sour rot in grapes under field conditions of two novel formulations recently developed by the addition of biodegradablecoatings using a fluidized-bed spray-drying system.RESULTS: Novel film-forming formulations of the BCAC. sakeCPA-1 controlledB. cinereaas well as liquid formulation. Sour rotcontrol resulted better in the second season and severity reductions were more satisfactory than incidence control. Visual andcryoSEM observations revealed that film-forming treatments were uniformly distributed on plant surfaces. CPA-1 coating couldbe observed on grapes at harvest time.CONCLUSION: The results of this work suggest that solid formulations would be a competitive alternative to conventionalfungicides because they were easy to package and transport, and cell viability could be maintained for a long period of time.© 2018 Society of Chemical Industry