Effect of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on the incidence of side and stem end rots in mango fruits.
Kobiler I., Shalom Y., Roth I., Akerman M., Vinokur Y., Fuchs Y., Prusky D.
Author Affiliation: Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, The Volcani Center Bet Dagan, PO Box 6, 50250, Israel.
Postharvest Biology and Technology 23 : 23-32
Abstract : A treatment of hot water brushing and prochloraz followed by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) diluted in wax, reduced postharvest diseases by 50-70% and improved fruit quality during prolonged storage. Alternaria alternata, Phomopsis spp. and Lasiodiplodia spp. [Botrydiploidia] were the main causal organisms of stem end decay. The best control was obtained by concentrations of 2,4-D ranging from 75 to 175 µg ml-1, which could efficiently control side rots caused by A. alternata and the stem end rot-causing pathogens. The combination of hot water brushing, prochloraz application and 2,4-D treatment reduced the incidence of stem end rot after 4 weeks of storage at 14°C and 7 days of shelf life at 20°C from 86 to 10% in cv. Tommy Atkins and from 63 to 12% in cv. Keith. At 175 µg ml-1 2,4-D did not affect fruit firmness or colour development but ensured high quality and fewer rotten fruits.