Efficacy of Pichia caribbica in controlling blue mold rot and patulin degradation in apples

► P. caribbica can control blue mold rot and natural decay development of apples. ► Germination of spores and growth of P. expansum were inhibited by P. caribbica. ► Rapid colonization of the yeast in apple wounds was observed at 20 °C or 4 °C. ► The patulin of apples produced by P. expansum was controlled by P. caribbica. ► P. caribbica can degrade patulin directly.