Biological control of green mould on mandarin fruit through the combined use of antagonistic yeasts

•Yeasts belonging to three genera were identified by molecular tools.•Metschnikowia aff. pulcherrima exhibited the highest biocontrolling activity.•Biocontrol efficacy against green mould involves a combination of mechanisms.•Synergistic cooperation of combined yeasts reduced incidence and lesion diameters.•Yeast combinations sustainably managed green mould decay on mandarins.