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Identification, Characterization, Pathogenicity, and Fungicide Sensitivity of Postharvest Fungal Diseases in Culinary Melon from Northern Thailand

Summary

Researchers in Thailand identified four different fungi causing diseases in culinary melons after harvest. They found that three fungus species cause damage to stored melon fruits, significantly reducing their quality and value. By testing various fungicides, they determined which chemical treatments effectively stop each fungus type, helping farmers protect their crops and reduce losses.

Background

Culinary melon (Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis var. conomon) is an important agricultural crop in Thailand. Postharvest fungal diseases including anthracnose, charcoal rot, and fruit rot cause significant losses in culinary melon production, affecting fruit quality and marketability.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize fungal pathogens associated with postharvest diseases in culinary melons from northern Thailand, assess their pathogenicity, and evaluate their sensitivity to commercial fungicides.

Results

Colletotrichum siamense and C. chlorophyti were identified as causal agents of anthracnose; Fusarium sulawesiense caused fruit rot; and Macrophomina phaseolina caused charcoal rot. All isolated strains were confirmed as pathogenic. Fungicide sensitivity tests showed differential responses: C. siamense was completely inhibited by copper oxychloride and copper hydroxide; C. chlorophyti by benalaxyl-M + mancozeb, copper hydroxide, and mancozeb; M. phaseolina by benalaxyl-M + mancozeb, mancozeb, and propineb; F. sulawesiense by copper hydroxide.

Conclusion

This is the first report of C. siamense and C. chlorophyti causing anthracnose, F. sulawesiense causing fruit rot, and M. phaseolina causing charcoal rot in culinary melon fruits globally. The fungicide sensitivity data provide valuable information for developing effective management strategies for postharvest disease control in culinary melons.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40985451, DOI: 10.3390/jof11070540
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