Emulsion coatings control fruit fly and anthracnose in mango (Mangifera indica cv. Manila).
Diaz-Sobac R., Pérez-Flores L., Vernon-Carter E. J.
Author Affiliation: Instituto de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Apartado Postal 575 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 75 : 126-128
Abstract : The effect of coating mango cv. Manila fruits with a mixture of maltodextrin, carboxylmethylcellulose, propylene glycol and sorbitan esters, on spoilage caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides [Glomerella cingulata] (which produces anthracnose) and by the fruit fly Anastrepha obliqua was investigated. Fruits were obtained from commercial orchards in Jalcomulco, Veracruz, México. Coated and control mangoes were stored at 15 and 25°C and 85±5% RH. Every 3 days, the coating was removed by washing with water, to determine the time necessary to minimize the damage caused by the anthracnose and the fruit fly larvae. In uncoated mangoes, larval growth and anthracnose manifestation occurred within 6 days at both storage temperatures. In coated mangoes, fruit fly larvae proliferation was avoided and anthracnose incidence was reduced. The results suggested that coatings should be remained for 9 days to avoid fruit fly larvae proliferating and minimize anthracnose incidence by 70%. Applying coatings may be part of a set of surface treatments to guarantee the phytosanitary certification of tropical fruits such as mangoes.