Isolation and identification of three fungi present in strawberry ( <i>Fragaria ananassa</i> ) and <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of the antifungal activity of <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i>

Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa) are highly perishable due to fungal spoilage, limiting their shelf life. This study evaluated the antifungal potential of five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains against Botrytis cinerea, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Aspergillus niger isolated from strawberries, along with their biosurfactant and organic acid production. Antifungal activity was assessed by measuring inhibition radio (mm) around LAB-containing agar disks after incubation at 30°C for 2, 3, and 7 days. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum showed strong antifungal activity, inhibiting B. cinerea (14.44 ± 0.30 mm) and A. niger (50.03 ± 0.45 mm) after 7 days, and preventing R. stolonifer sporulation (22.90 ± 1.20 mm) within 3 days. Results of the in vivo antifungal activity conducted over 7 days demonstrated L. plantarum ability to prevent the growth of B. cinerea and R. stolonifer and reduce the invasion of A. niger. These results highlight L. plantarum as a promising natural biocontrol agent to extend strawberry shelf life and reduce postharvest losses.