Apples to apples: An international study of local and global apple fruit microbiomes has implications for future pathogen control strategies
Citation
Ellouze, W., Schneider, K. and Ali, S. 2021. Apples to apples: An international study of local and global apple fruit microbiomes has implications for future pathogen control strategies. Fruit & Vegetable, September 22, 2021. https://www.fruitandveggie.com/apples-to-apples/
Plain language summary
The microbial community colonizing the surface of apple peel, referred to as a “microbiome,” is the first defense against apple pathogens. This microbiome is involved in growth promotion, disease resistance, stress tolerance and fruit quality both before and after harvest. The microbiome factor is now included in breeding strategies for pre- and post-harvest disease control and management. Apples are the world’s largest edible fruit crop (86 million tons grown in 2018) and can remain in cold storage for up to a year. Knowing more about this microscopic world will provide insight into post-harvest diseases that occur during storage and lead to better quality and safer products for the consumer. That is why AAFC scientists joined international colleagues to study if apple microbiomes are the same around the world, despite differences in climate and management practices.
Abstract
The microbial community colonizing the surface of apple peel, referred to as a “microbiome,” is the first defense against apple pathogens. This microbiome is involved in growth promotion, disease resistance, stress tolerance and fruit quality both before and after harvest. The microbiome factor is now included in breeding strategies for pre- and post-harvest disease control and management. Apples are the world’s largest edible fruit crop (86 million tons grown in 2018) and can remain in cold storage for up to a year. Knowing more about this microscopic world will provide insight into post-harvest diseases that occur during storage and lead to better quality and safer products for the consumer. That is why AAFC scientists joined international colleagues to study if apple microbiomes are the same around the world, despite differences in climate and management practices.