Production of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase of two biocontrol agents and their possible modes of action

Pichia membranefaciens Hansen and Candida guilliermondii (Cast) Langeronet Guerra are two antagonists of R. stolonifer on harvested nectarine and peach fruits. In this study, β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activities of the antagonists were induced in vitro and in vivo. The highest β-1, 3-glucanase activity was detected in Lilly-Barnett minimal salt medium supplemented with glucose in combination with CWP of R. stolonifer as a carbon source. The β-1,3-glucanase activity of P. membranefaciens reached the maximum level, being 114.0 SU (specific activity unit), and that of C. guilliermondii reached 103.2 SU. The lowest β-1,3-glucanase activity was observed in the medium containing glucose as sole carbon source. P. membranefaciens was able to produce significantly higher levels of chitinase (exochitinase and endochitinase) in vitro than C. guilliermondii grown in Czapeck minimal medium. An increase in β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activity was also triggered by wounding, adding of carbon sources and yeast cells. The results showed that both β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase from P. membranefaciens and C. guilliermondii exhibited some effects on controlling R. stolonifer, and might have a synergistic activity against R. stolonifer.