Review: application of Pichia membranifaciens in controlling postharvest fungal diseases of fruits

Biological control is one of the most promising alternatives to synthetic fungicides which are currently widely applied to control postharvest diseases of fruits. As a potential antagonistic yeast, the Pichia membranifaciens is proposed for controlling postharvest disease, the usefulness of P. membranifaciens is discussed and multiple examples are given. The combination of P. membranifaciens with other methods to improve its activity and efficacy is discussed. This paper provides an overview of the mechanisms of P. membranifaciens, including secretion of extracellular metabolites; inhibition of pathogen growth, and inducting host resistance. Some problems have arisen in the application of P. membranifaciens, we have summarized these issues and hope to provide some reference for the commercial application of P. membranifaciens.