Biological control of postharvest diseases with Bacillus subtilis (B1 strain) on muskmelons (Cucumis melo L. cv. yindi)

The biocontrol capability of Bacillus subtilis (B1 strain) against major post-harvest diseases of melons was studied in vivo. B1 unwashed cell culture significantly inhibited disease incidence and lesion area of fruit inoculated with Alternaria alternata, Fusarium semitectum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichothecium roseum, respectively. B1 culture filtrate, autoclaved culture and cell suspension had less control effect than that of unwashed cell culture. Higher concentrations of B1 were more effective against the disease caused by F. semitectum and T. roseum. B1 treatment before 48 h of inoculation with T. roseum showed the best control efficacy.