Rots might be responsible for substantial post harvest losses in apples (Malus domestica). The blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum, the bitter rot caused by Glomerella cingulata, and the 'bull's-eye rot' induced by Pezicula malicorticis are among of the most common rots. Great attention has been given to less environmental damaging alternatives for the control of postharvest diseases. The post harvest application of east-like fungi, such as Cryptococcus laurentii, is one option for controlling fruit rot. This study was carried out to test the efficiency of C. laurentii on fruit rot control in 'Fuji' and 'Gala' apples. After application of treatments, by immersion, the fruits were stored in the laboratory (15-20 °C / 60-70% RH) or in cold storage (1 °C / 90-95% RH). The pathogens were applied at a concentration of 10² conidia ml-1, the yeast at 10(7) cells ml-1, and the fungicides at 150 mg l-1. The Cryptococcus laurentii was as efficient in reducing apple fruit rots (G. cingulata , P. expansum , and P. malicorticis) as were the fungicides thiabendazole and iprodione. In cold storage trials, C. laurentii was as efficient as the fungicides (thiabendazole, iprodione, chlorhexidine digluconate, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, sodium dicloroisocyanurate, and sodium hypochloride) in reducing P. expansum fruit rot. The application of C. laurentii did not affect flesh firmness and the total soluble solids content (°Brix) of the fruits.
