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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #253006
Title: Experiments with Biocontrol of Alternaria alternata

Author
item PARFITT, DAN - University Of California
item Hua, Sui Sheng
item HOLTZ, BRENT - University Of California - Cooperative Extension Service
item CHAN, HELEN - University Of California
item Sarreal, Siov
item MARTIN-DUVALL, TOME - University Of California - Cooperative Extension Service
item BRAGA, MIKE - Braga Farms

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/16/2010
Publication Date: 8/5/2010
Citation: Parfitt, D., Hua, S.T., Holtz, B., Chan, H.M., Sarreal, S.L., Martin-Duvall, T., Braga, M. 2010. Experiments with Biocontrol of Alternaria alternata. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A biocontrol yeast (WRL-76) developed by USDA-ARS at the Western Regional Research lab was evaluated for control of Alternaria alternata on pistachio. The experiment was conducted over a four year period in a Madera Co., CA orchard. Counts of damaged vs. intact fruit clusters were taken on 100 control and treatment trees, as well as commercial yields. During two of the four years, high levels of disease were observed while little or no disease developed during the other two years. Significant differences in cluster damage were observed during the high disease years. Treated trees produced an overall but non-significant yield improvement of 6.6% for all years and an average 13% yield improvement during the 2 years of high disease incidence. Differences in % viable clusters were significant, however. Cluster count values were significantly correlated with yields.