Research Keyword: postharvest disease

Inhibitory Effects and Mechanisms of Perilla Essential Oil and Perillaldehyde against Chestnut Pathogen Botryosphaeria dothidea

Chestnut rot caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea is a major problem during fruit storage. Researchers found that essential oil from perilla plants and its main component perillaldehyde effectively kill this fungus by damaging its cell walls and membranes. This natural solution could replace harmful synthetic fungicides while keeping chestnuts fresh longer during storage.

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Chilean Aloysia Essential Oils: A Medicinal Plant Resource for Postharvest Disease Control

Researchers tested essential oils from two Chilean herbs, Aloysia citriodora and Aloysia polystachya, against fungi that cause fruit rot after harvest. They found that oil from Aloysia citriodora, especially a compound called farnesol, effectively killed the disease-causing fungi in laboratory tests. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides that are becoming less effective and harmful to the environment, offering farmers a safer way to protect their fruit during storage and transport.

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The dark side of avocados: a review of anthracnose and stem-end rot in postharvest fruit

Avocados are a valuable global fruit crop, but two fungal diseases—anthracnose and stem-end rot—cause major economic losses by making fruit unmarketable. These fungi infect avocados in the orchard but remain hidden until the fruit ripens, making them difficult to detect and control. Recent advances in detection technology and disease management strategies, including biological controls and natural treatments, offer promising solutions to reduce losses and keep avocados fresh from farm to table.

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Postharvest Disease Management of ‘Akizuki’ Pear in China: Identification of Fungal Pathogens and Control Efficacy of Chlorine Dioxide

‘Akizuki’ pears are a popular fruit in China but often develop rot diseases during storage, causing significant economic losses. Researchers identified four types of fungi responsible for this rot and tested chlorine dioxide gas as a treatment. The study found that chlorine dioxide effectively kills these fungi by damaging their cell membranes and works as well as commercial fungicides, offering a safer alternative for preserving pears without harmful chemical residues.

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Optimization of cultural conditions for pectinase production by Diaporthe isolate Z1-1N and its pathogenicity on kiwifruit

Researchers studied a fungus called Diaporthe that causes soft rot disease in kiwifruit, which is an important crop. They found that the fungus produces special enzymes (pectinases) that help it break down the fruit’s protective cell walls, causing decay. By testing different temperatures, pH levels, and incubation times, they determined the best conditions to produce these harmful enzymes and confirmed they play a major role in disease development.

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Molecular identification and mycotoxins analysis of some fungal isolates from postharvest decayed apple in Qena, Egypt

Apples stored after harvest can be infected by blue mold fungi that produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Researchers in Egypt identified five fungal strains from rotted apples and measured the amounts of two dangerous toxins they produce. The findings show that these fungi can cause significant food safety risks and economic losses, highlighting the need for better storage and handling practices.

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Postharvest Disease Management of ‘Akizuki’ Pear in China: Identification of Fungal Pathogens and Control Efficacy of Chlorine Dioxide

Researchers identified four types of fungi that cause rot in ‘Akizuki’ pears during storage: Alternaria alternata, Diaporthe eres, and two types of Penicillium. They tested chlorine dioxide gas as a treatment and found it effectively stopped the fungi from growing without harming the fruit. This discovery offers a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fungicide chemicals for keeping stored pears fresh longer.

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Bacillus velezensis LMY3-5 for the biocontrol of soft rot in kiwifruit: antifungal action and underlying mechanisms

Scientists discovered a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis that can effectively prevent soft rot disease in kiwifruit, which causes serious damage during storage. The bacteria works by producing natural antimicrobial compounds that damage the fungal pathogen’s cell walls and membranes, stopping it from growing. This biocontrol approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides, reducing pesticide residues while maintaining fruit quality and safety.

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Sweet Pepper cv. Lai Lai Ripeness Stage Influences Susceptibility to Mycotoxinogenic Alternaria alternata Causing Black Mold

This research shows that green and red peppers can both develop black mold caused by a fungus called Alternaria alternata, but at different rates depending on temperature. Red peppers are more susceptible to severe infection at room temperature, while both types are similarly affected during cold storage. Importantly, infected peppers can produce toxins harmful to human health, emphasizing the need for preventing fungal infection in pepper crops before harvest and storage.

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Characterization of a bacterial strain T226 and its efficacy in controlling post-harvest citrus anthracnose

Researchers identified a beneficial bacterium called Lysobacter enzymogenes (strain T226) that effectively prevents citrus fruit rot caused by anthracnose fungus. This bacterium was isolated from soil and showed stable antimicrobial properties even after repeated culture transfers. When applied to citrus fruits, it reduced disease incidence by over 61% under natural storage conditions, performing better than the chemical fungicide prochloraz, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative for protecting stored citrus.

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