Evalution of co-culture system on Debaryomyces hansenii and Bacillus atrophaeus strains and its efficacy on disease control and quality maintenance of postharvest fruit

Microbial antagonists are used to manage both pre- and postharvest diseases of fruit crops. Mixing two types of antagonists has been reported to enhance the viability, stability, and biocontrol efficacy of each strain used individually. In the present study, a co-cultivation system for Debaryomyces hansenii (Y-1) and Bacillus atrophaeus (TE-7) strains was evaluated, and the regulatory mechanism associated with antagonistic activity and postharvest disease control in mango and litchi fruits was investigated. Results indicated that the optimized co-cultivation system for Y-1 and TE-7 (Y + T) significantly promoted the growth of both strains, compared to single cultures, and improved their ability to adapt to co-cultivation conditions. Non-targeted metabolomics revealed that characteristic metabolites, including N-Acetyl-L-glutamic acid, adenine, umbelliferone, and cucurbitacin B significantly accumulated in co-culture, which involved in citrate cycle (TCA cycle), amino acid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and alkaloid biosynthesis. Subsequent in vivo and in vitro assays indicated that the Y + T system, relative to the use of the individual strains, significantly enhanced the inhibition of pathogen growth, increased disease control, and also decreased weight loss and changes in peel color. The co-culture also enhanced the content of total acids (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) in mango and litchi fruits compared to the control group. These results suggest that the Y + T co-cultivation system is highly effective in antagonistic protection, disease control, and quality maintenance of postharvest fruit. Our study provides new insights into the interactions that occur between biocontrol microorganisms in a co-culture system, and information that can be used for the development of improved strategies for the postharvest preservation of fruit.