Cloning, characterization, expression and antifungal activity of an alkaline serine protease of Aureobasidium pullulans PL5 involved in the biological control of postharvest pathogens

► Aureobasidium pullulans PL5 effectively controls postharvest pathogens. ► PL5 had a protease activity able to inhibit fungal pathogens in vitro and in vivo. ► An alkaline serine protease gene ALP5 was cloned and characterized. ► The recombinant protease showed the highest activity at pH 10.0 and 50 °C. ► The recombinant protease showed biocontrol activities against the pathogens.