Non-chemical control options against grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) on strawberry (Fragaria x anannasa)

Phytopathogenic fungi cause significant crop losses every year. Plant protection products have a negative and long-lasting impact on the environment and, in addition, the fungus Botrytis cinerea is known to be resistant to several types of fungicides. In the last decade, more emphasis has been placed on the discovery and use of new antagonistic species of microorganisms that could control plant pests and inhibit the growth of pathogenic diseases. The necrotrophic pathogenic fungus B. cinerea causes grey mould of strawberries, which leads to considerable yield losses in the strawberry harvest. Some antagonistic filamentous fungi and yeast-like fungi inhibit the growth of the fungus B. cinerea on plants and on fruits after harvest, by mechanisms such as parasitism and attachment to the surface of the pathogenic fungus, competition for environmental sources and reduction of available nutrients, antibiosis and secretion of metabolites (antibiotics, lytic enzymes, toxins, polysaccharides, siderophores, etc.). Bacteria express their antifungal effect through the production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, acids, antibiotics and other substances. Other effective non-chemical control methods include biofumigation, the use of essential oils and plant extracts, and the application of recommended agrotechnical measures. Products based on biological control agents may have some disadvantages (more complex instructions for use and lower control efficacy). The simultaneous use of these preparations has been proven to be more effective and holds great potential for further research.