Post Harvest Biological Control of Citrus Fruit Rot

Jump To References Section

Authors

  • Botany Department, Lucknow University, Lucknow - 226007 ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/1993/15154

Keywords:

Citrus, Fruit Rot, Alternaria citri, Penicillium italicum, Biological Control, Bacillus sphericus, Candida sp.

Abstract

Bacillus sphericus and Candida sp. were tested for their ability to reduce disease development in citrus fruits after challenge with post-harvest pathogens Alternaria citri and Penicillium italicum. Lesion diameter and frequency of Alternaria rot were significantly less in fruits pre-treated with aqueous suspension of both the antagonists as compared with controls pre-treated with water. Lesion development was related to pathogen spore concentration and the concentration of antagonists. The control of disease was proportional to the time allowed to the fruit for its submersion in the antagonistic suspension.