Biological control of Aspergillus flavus by a yeast strain, Wickerhamomyces anomalus NRRL Y-30842

Wickerhamomyces anomalus NRRL Y-30842 was discovered by a visual screening bioassay for its inhibitory activity against A. flavus. The yeast could effectively inhibit aflatoxin production and growth of A. flavus. Field experiments demonstrated that the yeast sprayed to pistachio trees could reduce the population of A. flavus in orchards and reduced aflatoxin levels in corn. For a better understanding of the biocontrol mechanisms of W. anomalus, total RNA-Seq protocol was applied to profile the transcriptome of yeast genes expressed in a dual culture for 24, 48 and 72 hours.