Enhanced shelf-life of the formulated biocontrol agent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CPA-8 combining diverse packaging strategies and storage conditions

Two effective biocontrol products (named as BA3 and BA4) based on Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CPA-8 have been reported as a potential alternative to chemical applications against brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. on stone fruit. To have practical use, this study aimed to describe the best packaging strategies (bags or flasks, atmosphere, and temperature of storage) to not only guarantee efficacy but also stability and ease of application of the products to be handled through the normal channels of distribution and storage. In terms of the viability neither the BA3 nor the BA4 product has been compromised after twelve months of storage. However, storage at 4 degrees C affected the stability and visual aspect of both CPA-8 formulations, mainly associated not only to the increase of RH but also a(w). Moreover, it should be pointed out that flasks did not conserve refrigerated BA3 samples in a suitable way, since RH and a(w) increased noticeably making their visual properties unsightly after 10 months of cold storage. At that time, the BA4 products were better preserved at 4 degrees C when packaged in flasks. Finally, this study also demonstrated that the most suitable packaging conditions for long-term storability (stored at 22 degrees C) did not show any negative effect in the biocontrol efficacy of CPA-8 in nectarines artificially infected with M. fructicola and provide suitable product delivery and field application. In conclusion, these results contribute to the final stage of development of these two CPA-8 products, practically ready for registration, thus contributing to the environmental-friendly management of postharvest diseases in stone fruit.