Anthracnose control in avocado using Yamadazyma mexicana encapsulated with whey protein isolate and arabic gum by solution blow spraying

Microencapsulation using solution blow spraying represents an innovative strategy for preserving the viability of biocontrol agents in agricultural bioformulations. This study developed a formulation of Yamadazyma mexicana encapsulated with whey protein isolate and arabic gum, using a 32 experimental design to optimise cell survival and release rate. Of the nine formulations generated, the optimal formulation showed a viability of 95.46% and a release rate of 0.134 log (Log CFU/g)/h. The in vivo application of the bioformulation in avocados artificially infected with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu lato significantly reduced the lesion diameter (54.1%) after cold storage and ripening. In conclusion, the solution blow-coating technique allowed us to obtain a functional microencapsulated yeast formulation with potential as a biological alternative for post-harvest control of fungal diseases in avocados.