Effect of preharvest application of Hanseniaspora uvarum on postharvest diseases in strawberries

• Preharvest treatment with Hanseniaspora uvarum induced resistance in strawberry fruit.
• Decay of strawberries was reduced.
• Defense-related enzyme activities were stimulated.
• Fruit firmness and total soluble solids content were maintained.
• Fruit pH and surface color were not affected.

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of preharvest applications of Hanseniaspora uvarum against postharvest mold decay of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) fruit and quality maintenance during storage at 2 ± 1 °C and 90–95% RH. Results showed that the treatment significantly reduced postharvest mold decay (P < 0.05), maintained fruit firmness and total soluble solids content, and did not impair pH and surface color during postharvest storage. Morever, it was found that the activities of some defense-related enzymes, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, polyphenoloxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, β-1,3-glucanase and ascorbate peroxidase, increased and malondialdehyde content, a decomposition product of polyunsaturated fatty acid hydroperoxides, was reduced, in response to preharvest application of H. uvarum. Overall, preharvest application of H. uvarum has potential for controlling postharvest decay of strawberry.