Abstract: Cladosporium sphaerospermum produces at least one volatile organic compound (VOC). When a plant is exposed to the VOC produced by a strain of C. sphaerospermum, the plant has an increase in at least one growth characteristic compared to the growth characteristic of an untreated plant of the same age as the treated plant.

Abstract: A method of increasing east one growth characteristic of a plant comprising growing a Cladosporium sphaerospermum strain in or on a medium in a container, where a headspace of said C. sphaerospermum in said container is in fluid communication with a headspace of said plant, where said C. sphaerospermum produces at least one volatile organic compound (VOC), where said at least one VOC produced by said C. sphaerospermum causes the plant to have an increase in at least one growth characteristic when compared to the growth characteristic of a plant which has not been exposed to the VOC, and where said C. sphaerospermum comprises an ITS1/2 consensus amplicon of SEQ ID NO: 5 and an ITS3/4 consensus amplicon of SEQ ID NO: 6.

Abstract: Cladosporium sphaerospermum produces at least one volatile organic compound (VOC). When a plant is exposed to the VOC produced by a strain of C. sphaerospermum, the plant has an increase in at least one growth characteristic compared to the growth characteristic of an untreated plant of the same age as the treated plant.

Abstract: Strawberries are available year-around from production in the field or from controlled environments (e.g. high and low tunnel culture and greenhouse). Diversity of production conditions results in challenges in controlling diseases before, during, and after harvest. Fungicides, traditionally used to control diseases, have limitations. UV-C irradiation followed by a dark period was used to kill two major pathogens of strawberry, Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum. The UV-C irradiation and dark period was followed by repopulation with beneficial biocontrol microorganisms. The 4 hr dark period prevented activation of a light-dependent UV-C damage repair mechanism in the pathogens. This combination protocol makes it possible to use a lower dose of UV-C for reduction and/or elimination of pathogens. A mobile treatment apparatus was designed to provide the appropriately timed UV-C doses, dark period, and sprayable doses of biocontrol microorganisms.

Abstract: Strawberries are available year-around from production in the field or from controlled environments (e.g. high and low tunnel culture and greenhouse). Diversity of production conditions results in challenges in controlling diseases before, during, and after harvest. Fungicides, traditionally used to control diseases, have limitations. UV-C irradiation followed by a dark period was used to kill two major pathogens of strawberry, Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum. The UV-C irradiation and dark period was followed by repopulation with beneficial biocontrol microorganisms. The 4 hr dark period prevented activation of a light-dependent UV-C damage repair mechanism in the pathogens. This combination protocol makes it possible to use a lower dose of UV-C for reduction and/or elimination of pathogens. A mobile treatment apparatus was designed to provide the appropriately timed UV-C doses, dark period, and sprayable doses of biocontrol microorganisms.

Abstract: An isolate from the surface of apple leaves, Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans having the deposited accession number NRRL B-18739, exhibits antifungal properties. The organisms have utility in methods for controlling postharvest disease in agricultural commodities caused by fungal pathogens.

Abstract: A process for biologically controlling postharvest disease in pome fruits using an isolate of Pseudomonas cepacia having the identifying characteristics of NRRL B18388. The organisms are isolated from the surface of apple leaves and are useful to control a variety of fruit-rot pathogens in a variety of pome fruits. Also disclosed is a process for controlling postharvest diseases in pome fruit using the antifungal compound, pyrrolnitrin.

Abstract: A process for biologically controlling the postharvest disease, grey-mold, in pome fruits using a strain of Acremonium breve having the identifying characteristics of NRRL 18307. The organism is isolated from apples leaves and is applied to the fruits in a aqeous suspension using conventional techniques. The organism of the invention maybe used in combination with other biocontrol agents to simultaneously control more than one postharvest disease affecting the fruit. Also disclosed is a biologically pure culture of Acremonium breve, NRRL 18307.