Candida krusei and Kloeckera apis inhibit the causal agent of pineapple fusariosis, Fusarium guttiforme

Studies based on microbial ecology and antagonistic interactions play an important role in the development of new alternative strategies in controlling plant pathogens and are relevant to further biotechnological applications. Antagonistic interactions between the yeasts Candida krusei and Kloeckera apis isolated from rotten pineapple fruits, and two isolates of the pathogenic filamentous fungus Fusarium guttiforme (Syn.: Fusarium subglutinans f. sp. ananas) resistant and susceptible to fungicide benzimidazole were studied in broth culture, and on plate assays. The yeasts significantly reduced Fusarium conidial germination after 24 h of cocultivation in broth culture, and also mycelial growth on plate assays. Slide coculture appeared to show attachment of yeasts to the hyphal surface and also slight morphological abnormalities caused by C. krusei. Filtrates of cocultures of fungi and yeasts inhibited fungal growth, but filtrates of the yeast cultures alone did not, suggesting that the antagonistic action of the yeasts is inducible.The F. guttiforme isolate sensitive to benzimidazole was most affected by both yeasts in pineapple juice, reaching a maximum of 36.5 % germ tube inhibition. This isolate was also inhibited by yeasts in mycocinogenic plate assay. These results demonstrated that C. krusei and K. apis are effective in inhibiting F. guttiforme growth and that the mode of action is associated with hyperparasitism and mycocinogenic activity.

► Candida krusei & Kloeckera apis from pineapple inhibited growth of Fusarium guttiforme.
► Inhibition took place in coculture and with a filtrate of a coculture.
► Inhibition by yeasts involved mycocinogenic activity.
► C. krusei caused hyphal abnormalities on Fusarium guttiforme following attachment.