The Lactoperoxidase System: a Natural Biochemical Biocontrol Agent for Pre- and Postharvest Applications

Controlling pests in pre- and postharvest crops using natural and low impact products is a major challenge. The lactoperoxidase system is an enzymatic system that exists in all external secretions in mammals and is part of the non-immune system. We tested its efficacy in in vitro microplates on Phytophthora infestans, Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea to determine the most suitable concentrations for use. Then, we verified its efficacy in planta under controlled conditions. Solutions prepared with 5.4 mM iodide and 1.2 mM thiocyanate and diluted threefold inhibited pathogen growth in vitro by 63-100%. Twofold-diluted solutions protected potato plants against P. infestans by 60-74% under controlled conditions. Undiluted solution inhibited orange's and apple's postharvest pathogens in curative application with efficacy levels ranging between 84 and 95% in orange and between 63 and 74% in apple. 1.5-fold concentrated solutions inhibited postharvest pathogens of apple in curative application with efficacy levels ranging between 84 and 92%. Our results also show that the oxidative stress response of fruit following wounding could interfere with ion efficiency. Our tests demonstrate for the first time that this biochemical method is as efficient as a conventional synthetic chemical method under controlled conditions.