A team of Brazilian researchers has identified Hanseniaspora uvarum, a common fermentative yeast, as a promising biological control agent against anthracnose in Phaseolus lunatus (lima beans), a major disease caused by Colletotrichum truncatum.
The study, conducted at the Universidade Federal de Alagoas, evaluated 42 yeast strains isolated from fruits and sugarcane culms. All isolates inhibited the fungal pathogen’s growth in vitro, but seven stood out for further analysis. Among them, H. uvarum demonstrated the strongest potential, reducing anthracnose severity by up to 81% under greenhouse conditions.
Using molecular and biochemical tests, the researchers identified five yeast species: Hanseniaspora uvarum, H. opuntiae, Lachancea thermotolerans, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Nakaseomyces glabratus. The selected strains produced both soluble and volatile antifungal compounds that suppressed C. truncatum growth. However, H. uvarum emerged as the most suitable candidate due to its efficacy and safety for human use.
Anthracnose is one of the most destructive foliar diseases affecting legumes worldwide, causing severe yield losses. Chemical fungicides, while effective, are expensive and environmentally harmful. This research demonstrates that yeast-based biocontrol offers a sustainable, low-cost alternative for smallholder farmers.
The authors conclude that H. uvarum’s ability to inhibit the pathogen and interact beneficially with the host plant highlights its potential as a biofungicide for sustainable crop protection. The findings pave the way for further research into yeast-plant-pathogen interactions and the development of eco-friendly agricultural bioinputs.
Reference
Lopes, L. A. M. N., da Silva, A. P. V., dos Santos, M. H., de Oliveira Costa, J. F., & Junior, G. A. L. (2025). Potential use of Hanseniaspora uvarum in the control of anthracnose in Phaseolus lunatus caused by Colletotrichum truncatum. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 132(6), 171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-025-01162-6
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