Isolation and Identification of Postharvest Rot Pathogens in Citrus × tangelo and Their Potential Inhibition with Acidic Electrolyzed Water
Tangelo fruits suffer from fungal rot during storage caused primarily by two fungi: Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus sydowii. Researchers tested acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), a safe and environmentally friendly treatment, and found it effectively kills these fungi by damaging their cell membranes and causing them to leak their contents. This treatment could replace harmful chemical fungicides while keeping tangelo fruits fresh and safe for consumers.