Postharvest diseases of fruits caused by phytopathogens cause losses up to 50% of global production. Phytopathogens control is performed with synthetic fungicides, but the application causes environmental contamination problems and human and animal health in addition to generating resistance. Yeasts are antagonist microorganisms that have been used in the last years as biocontrol agents and in sustainable postharvest disease management in fruits. Yeast application for biocontrol of phytopathogens has been an effective action worldwide. This review explores the sustainable use of yeasts in each continent, the main antagonistic mechanisms towards phytopathogens, their relationship with OMIC sciences, and patents at the world level that involve yeast-based-products for their biocontrol.

Chitosan-based film with and without antagonistic yeast was prepared and its effect against Penicillium italicum was evaluated. The biocompatibility of yeast cells in the developed films was assessed in terms of population dynamics. Furthermore, the impact on physicochemical properties of the prepared films with and without yeast cells incorporated were evaluated in terms of thickness, mechanical properties, color and opacity. Chitosan films with the antagonistic yeast entrapped exhibited strong antifungal activity by inhibiting the mycelial development (55%), germination (45%) and reducing the sporulation process (87%). Chitosan matrix at 0.5% and 1.0% was maintained over 9 days of cell viability. However, at 1.5% of chitosan the population dynamics was strongly affected. The addition of yeast cells only impacted color values such as a*, b*, chroma and hue angle when 1.0% of chitosan concentration was used. Conversely, luminosity was not affected in the presence of yeast cells as well as the opacity. Besides, the addition of antagonistic yeast improved the mechanical resistance of the films. The addition of D. hansenii in chitosan films improve their efficacy for controlling P. italicum, and besides showed desirable characteristics for future use as packaging for citrus products.