Abstract
Multiple formulations of known biocontrol agent (BCA) Candida sake, containing different coatingforming
polymers and surfactants were tested at different polymer:BCA ratios, in order to improve control
of Botrytis cinerea on grapes. The BCA cell viability on the grape surface was analyzed and reduction in
disease incidence and severity was determined. Coating-forming solids improved the survival and efficacy
of C. sake as a BCA against B. cinerea, depending on the polymer type and ratio. The incorporation
of surfactants did not improve survival or disease control, although they promoted a better cell dispersion
on the grape surface. Cell growth of the antagonist during incubation led to the formation of aggregates,
even when surfactants were present. Sodium caseinate and starch were the most suitable polymers to
formulate C. sake preparations to obtain coating-forming systems with this BCA and to increase its survival
and efficacy at the minimum economic cost of the ingredients.