DISTILLERY FRUIT WASTE AS A SUBSTRATE FOR BIOCONTROL AGENTS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the potential of the fruit (quince and plum) distillery waste to be used as a substrate for production of Bacillus-based biocontrol agents. Slightly lower extent of in vitro antimicrobial activity against the phytopathogenic Xanthomonas spp. was achieved when using quince and plum distillery waste as a substrate for Bacillus velezensis cultivation in comparison to the synthetic medium (nutrient broth). This study represents a basis for further bioprocess development based on valorization of the alcoholic beverage industry waste through production of biocontrol agents as value-added products, in alignment with the circular economy principles.