Biocontrol Efficacy of spp. Yeasts in Organic Vineyards against Major Airborne Diseases of Table Grapes in the Field and in Postharvest.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of two antagonistic yeasts, strain MPR3 and strain NRRL Y-27328 (commercial product NOLI), applied in addition to the "on-farm biological treatments" (BIO) carried out during the production season, for the containment of powdery mildew and grey mould diseases on organic table grapes 'Italia'. The yeast strains were applied in the field three times, and their efficacy was evaluated during the production season and under postharvest conditions. Overall, MPR3 combined with BIO treatments reduced disease incidence caused by and disease incidence and severity caused by with values between 67.

XRF analysis searching for fingerprint elemental profile in south-eastern Sicily tomatoes.

The implementation of analytical techniques able to certify food quality and origin in a fast and non-destructive way is becoming a widespread need in the agri-food sector. Among the physical non-destructive techniques, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is often used to analyze the elemental composition of biological samples. In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental profiles were measured on tomato samples belonging to different geographical areas in Sicily (Italy).

Applications of Delayed Luminescence for tomato fruit quality assessment across varied Sicilian cultivation zones.

The food industry places significant emphasis on ensuring quality and traceability as key components of a healthy diet. To cater to consumer demands, researchers have prioritized the development of analytical techniques that can rapidly and non-invasively provide data on quality parameters. In this study, we propose to use the Delayed Luminescence (DL), an ultra-weak and photo-induced emission of optical photons, as a tool for a rapid evaluation of quality profile associated with fruit ripening, in support of traditional analysis methods.

Assessing Copper-Alternative Products for the Control of Pre- and Postharvest Citrus Anthracnose.

Citrus production is worldwide threatened by spp., causal agents of pre- and postharvest anthracnose. The recent limitation on the use of copper-based antimicrobials, due to its demonstrated noxious effect on the environment, makes the control of this pathogen difficult.

Epiphytic and endophytic microorganisms associated to different cultivar of tomato fruits in greenhouse environment and characterization of beneficial bacterial strains for the control of post-harvest tomato pathogens.

Several bacterial and fungal diseases affect greenhouse-grown tomato crops, causing severe annual yield losses worldwide. The need to reduce chemical compound applications has encouraged the search of alternative approach for the control of tomato diseases, including the use of biological control agents. The presence of total and beneficial microbial populations was investigated on the surface and in the pulp of seven cultivars of tomato fruit coming from eleven greenhouses in the Pachino district (south-east of Sicily), recognized by the European Community with the "Protected Geographical Indication" label.

COS-OGA Applications in Organic Vineyard Manage Major Airborne Diseases and Maintain Postharvest Quality of Wine Grapes.

In most wine-growing countries of the world the interest for organic viticulture and eco-friendly grape production processes increased significantly in the last decade. Organic viticulture is currently dependent on the availability of Cu and S compounds, but their massive use over time has led to negative effects on environment health. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative and sustainable treatments against powdery mildew, gray mold and sour rot under the field conditions on Nero d'Avola and Inzolia Sicilian cultivars.