Microbial community succession and dynamics during the season-long development of apple fruit (
Kithan-Lundquist R, McMillan HM, Gdanetz K, Liber J, He S-Y
Crop Improvement
PubMedUnderstanding the 'good' microbes naturally living on apples could eventually replace or reduce chemical pesticide use, meaning the apples in your grocery store — or backyard tree — could be protected by beneficial microorganisms instead of synthetic sprays.
Just like your gut has its own community of helpful microbes, apple fruits host a whole ecosystem of tiny organisms from the moment the flower blooms to when the fruit is fully grown. Researchers discovered that the microbes living inside the apple stay fairly consistent throughout the season, while the ones on the skin come and go with the weather and environment. Some of these microbes appear to break down sugars in the apple, hinting that they might play a role in how the fruit ripens, stores, and resists disease.
Key Findings
Microbial richness (number of different species) was highest at two key moments: during bloom (flowering) and when the fruit was fully mature at harvest.
Endophytic microbes (those living inside the fruit tissue) were stable and shared across many stages of fruit development, while surface microbes were transient and changed throughout the season.
Fungal and bacterial species capable of breaking down carbohydrates showed distinct abundance patterns at different apple developmental stages, suggesting the host plant may actively regulate which microbial groups thrive at each stage.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists tracked the bacteria and fungi living on and inside apple fruits from bloom to harvest, finding that the microbial community changes in predictable patterns over the growing season — a discovery that could lead to natural, biology-based ways to keep apples fresh longer and reduce food waste.
Abstract Preview
Microorganisms colonize every external and internal surface of plants, including fruits. Relatively little is known about the fruit microbiome and its role in disease resistance and fruit quality d...
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