Global analysis of the apple fruit microbiome: are all apples the same?

We present the first worldwide study on the apple (Malus × domestica) fruit microbiome that examines questions regarding the composition and the assembly of microbial communities on and in apple fruit. Results revealed that the composition and structure of the fungal and bacterial communities associated with apple fruit vary and are highly dependent on geographical location. The study also confirmed that the spatial variation in the fungal and bacterial composition of different fruit tissues exists at a global level. Fungal diversity varied significantly in fruit harvested in different geographical locations and suggests a potential link between location and the type and rate of postharvest diseases that develop in each country. The global core microbiome of apple fruit was represented by several beneficial microbial taxa and accounted for a large fraction of the fruit microbial community. The study provides foundational information about the apple fruit microbiome that can be utilized for the development of novel approaches for the management of fruit quality and safety, as well as for reducing losses due to the establishment and proliferation of postharvest pathogens. It also lays the groundwork for studying the complex microbial interactions that occur on apple fruit surfaces.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Changes in the Fungal Community Assembly of Apple Fruit Following Postharvest Application of the Yeast Biocontrol Agent Metschnikowia fructicola

Recently, increasing focus has been placed on exploring fruit microbiomes and their association with their hosts. Investigation of the fruit surface microbiome of apple has revealed variations in the composition and structure depending on management practices, phenological stages, and spatial distribution on the fruit itself. However, the fate of the fruit surface microbiome assembly and dynamics in apple following interventions such as the application of biocontrol agents remains unknown. The objective of the study was to explore the effect of a postharvest application of a yeast biocontrol agent, Metschnikowia fructicola, on the composition of the epiphytic fungal microbiota on apples during cold storage. Our results demonstrated that the applied biocontrol agent, M. fructicola, persisted in high abundance (>28% relative abundance) on the fruit surface throughout the storage period. The biocontrol application significantly decreased the richness and caused a significant shift in the overall composition and structure of the fungal microbiome relative to untreated or water-treated controls. The yeast application reduced the abundance of several apple fungal pathogens, namely, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Comoclatris, Stemphylium, Nigrospora, Penicillium, and Podosphaera, throughout the cold storage period