Exploring the effect of β-glucan on the biocontrol activity of Cryptococcus podzolicus against postharvest decay of apples and the possible mechanisms involved

China is one of the largest producers of apples worldwide. Apple decay caused by Penicillium expansum has led to serious economic losses and, therefore, is a major concern. In this work, we investigated the efficacy of Cryptococcus podzolicus enhanced by β-glucan in controlling the postharvest decay of apples and the possible mechanisms involved in this process. Our results showed that β-glucan increased the biological control ability of...