In vitro inhibition and in vivo induction of defense response against Penicillium expansum in sweet cherry fruit by postharvest applications of Bacillus cereus AR156

Abstract The biocontrol effect of Bacillus cereus AR156 on blue mold decay caused by Penicillium expansum in harvested sweet cherry fruit and the possible mechanisms were investigated. The results indicated that B. cereus AR156 treatment significantly reduced disease incidence and development. The treatment significantly enhanced activities of chitinase and β-1, 3-glucanase in the fruit. B. cereus AR156 damaged the plasma membrane integrity of P. expansum spores and caused the leakage of protein and sugar of the pathogen mycelia in vitro . The results indicated that the efficacy of B. cereus AR156 on controlling blue mold decay in cherry fruit may be related to the direct fungitoxic property against the pathogen, and the induction of defense-related enzymes in the fruit.