Antifungal activity of Lactobacillus plantarum C10 against Trichothecium roseum and its application in promotion of defense responses in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit.

The antifungal effect of Lactobacillus plantarum C10 on pink rot caused by Trichothecium roseum and its application in muskmelon fruit were investigated. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) produced by Lactobacillus plantarum C10 strongly inhibited the growth of T. roseum and seriously damaged the structures of spores and mycelia of T. roseum. Acid compounds produced by Lb. plantarum C10 were the major antifungal substances and exhibited a narrow pH range from 3.5 to 6.5. Application of the CFS on muskmelon fruit reduced the contamination zone of T. roseum by enhancing the activities of defensive enzymes (phenylalanine ammonialyase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase) and promoting the accumulation of phenolics and flavonoids. These results suggested that Lb. plantarum C10 could be used as a biocontrol agent to control pink rot caused by T. roseum in muskmelon fruit.