DEVELOP YEAST-BASED, IMMUNE INDUCING BIOCONTROLS OF FIRE BLIGHT WITH IMPROVED EFFICACY AND MINIMIZED FRUIT RUSSETING

Isolate yeast-like fungi from apple and pear flowers collected from different cultivars and at different geographical locations.Screen the yeast culture collection for their potential to induce plant defense response and to cause fruit russeting.Test the fire blight biocontrol efficacy and fruit safety of selected yeasts in field trials.Disseminate research findings, increase the marketability of organic fruits, and prepare future organic growers through extension and education