In this study, the antifungal activity of endophytic yeast strains isolated from the generative parts of plants in Uzbekistan against five important phytopathogenic fungi—Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp1, and Penicillium sp2, was evaluated using the agar diffusion method. The results showed that strain 01 (particularly against Penicillium sp1) and strain 3 (against Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium sp1) formed the largest inhibition zones, demonstrating broad-spectrum antifungal potential. Penicillium sp1 was the most sensitive pathogen, while Aspergillus niger proved to be the most resistant. Considering the significant growth in Uzbekistan’s fruit and vegetable exports during 2023-2025, these endophytic yeasts are promising as commercial biocontrol agents. They offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides and can help reduce post-harvest losses (up to 30%).
References
[1]
Perek, Z., Boruta, T., Ścigaczewska, A., Bizukojć, M. and Gutarowska, B. (2025) Biotechnological Potential of Metschnikowia Pulcherrima Yeasts for Biomass Production in Agricultural Biocontrol. AppliedSciences, 15, Article 13236. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413236
[2]
Vepštaitė-Monstavičė, I., Lukša-Žebelovič, J., Apšegaitė, V., Mozūraitis, R., Lisicinas, R., Stanevičienė, R., et al. (2025) Profiles of Killer Systems and Volatile Organic Compounds of Rowanberry and Rosehip-Inhabiting Yeasts Substantiate Implications for Biocontrol. Foods, 14, Article 288. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14020288
[3]
Lombardo, M.F., Panebianco, S., Restuccia, C. and Cirvilleri, G. (2023) Biocontrol Efficacy of Metschnikowia Spp. Yeasts in Organic Vineyards against Major Airborne Diseases of Table Grapes in the Field and in Postharvest. Foods, 12, Article 3508. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12183508
[4]
Liao, Q., Li, X., Zeng, S., Chen, W., Huang, P., Wang, Z., et al. (2026) Sustainable Postharvest Management Practices for Kiwifruit: Principles, Approaches, and Future Directions. PostharvestBiologyandTechnology, 233, Article 114008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114008
[5]
Iorizzo, M., Ellison, S., Senalik, D., Zeng, P., Satapoomin, P., Huang, J., et al. (2016) A High-Quality Carrot Genome Assembly Provides New Insights into Carotenoid Accumulation and Asterid Genome Evolution. NatureGenetics, 48, 657-666. https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.3565
[6]
Vepštaitė‐Monstavičė, I., Lukša, J., Strazdaitė‐Žielienė, Ž., Serva, S. and Servienė, E. (2024) Distinct Microbial Communities Associated with Health‐Relevant Wild Berries. EnvironmentalMicrobiologyReports, 16, e70048. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-2229.70048
Ling, L., Tu, Y., Ma, W., Feng, S., Yang, C., Zhao, Y., et al. (2020) A Potentially Important Resource: Endophytic Yeasts. WorldJournalofMicrobiologyandBiotechnology, 36, Article No. 110. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-020-02889-0
[9]
Solis, M.J.L., Yurkov, A., dela Cruz, T.E. and Unterseher, M. (2014) Leaf-Inhabiting Endophytic Yeasts Are Abundant but Unevenly Distributed in Three Ficus Species from Botanical Garden Greenhouses in Germany. MycologicalProgress, 14, Article No. 1019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11557-014-1019-6
[10]
Cui, Y., Jiang, X., Qi, F. and Liu, Y. (2012) Isolation and Primary Identification of Endophytic Yeast from Wine Grape. ChinaBrewing, No. 9, 82-84.
[11]
Peng, X., Wang, Y., Tang, L.J., Li, X.X., Xiao, Y.W., Zhang, Z.B., et al. (2018) Yeasts from Nanfeng Mandarin Plants: Occurrence, Diversity and Capability to Produce Indole-3-Acetic Acid. Biotechnology&BiotechnologicalEquipment, 32, 1496-1506. https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2018.1487337
[12]
Serrano-Parrales, R., Aguilera-Ramírez, C.U., Carrillo-Servin, D.N., Nolasco-Ontiveros, E. and Bárcenas-Correa, J.D. (2026) InVitro Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts of Turneradiffusa Willd. Ex Schult and Its Polyphenol Profile. AmericanJournalofPlantSciences, 17, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2026.171001
[13]
Oliveira, A.S.D., Brighente, I.M.C., Lund, R.G., Llanes, L.C., Nunes, R.J., Bretanha, L.C., et al. (2017) Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Naphthoquinones Dimeric Derived from Lawsone. JournalofBiosciencesandMedicines, 5, 39-48. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbm.2017.52004
[14]
Haniffadli, A., Ban, Y., Rahmat, E., Kang, C.H. and Kang, Y. (2024) Unforeseen Current and Future Benefits of Uncommon Yeast: The Metschnikowia Genus. AppliedMicrobiologyandBiotechnology, 108, Article No. 534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-024-13369-y
[15]
Ambavane, V., Tokdar, P., Parab, R., Sreekumar, E.S., Mahajan, G., Mishra, P.D., et al. (2014) Caerulomycin A—An Antifungal Compound Isolated from Marine Actinomycetes. AdvancesinMicrobiology, 4, 567-578. https://doi.org/10.4236/aim.2014.49063