Research Topic: Postharvest disease management

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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Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

This research tested how essential oils from common cooking herbs like oregano, thyme, and cinnamon can prevent fungal diseases on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified five different fungi causing banana rot, then tested six plant-based oils at different strengths to see which ones worked best. Thyme oil was most effective, completely stopping fungal growth at the highest concentration tested. These natural oils could replace harsh chemical fungicides while being safer for people and the environment.

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Biocontrol Potential of a Mango-Derived Weissella paramesenteroides and Its Application in Managing Strawberry Postharvest Disease

Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacteria called Weissella paramesenteroides, naturally found on mango surfaces, can protect strawberries from fungal spoilage. This bacteria works by releasing special aromatic compounds (VOCs) into the air that kill disease-causing fungi without direct contact. When used in strawberry storage boxes, this biocontrol method reduced fruit disease from 70% to 35%, offering a safer, natural alternative to synthetic fungicides.

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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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Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part II

Bananas often develop fungal infections during storage that reduce their quality. Researchers tested whether essential oils from common herbs and spices like cinnamon, clove, and oregano could prevent these fungal infections. The study found that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils effectively stopped fungal growth at higher concentrations, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that could help keep bananas fresh longer without synthetic chemicals.

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

Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Lysobacter enzymogenes (strain T226) that effectively controls anthracnose, a fungal disease affecting citrus fruits after harvest. This bacterium was isolated from soil and shows strong ability to inhibit the disease-causing fungus while remaining stable over time. The research demonstrates that this biological control agent could be a promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting stored citrus fruits.

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Application and Mechanism of Action of Carvacrol Against Aspergillus niger Causing Postharvest Rot of Garlic Scapes (Allium sativum L.)

Garlic scapes, the tender flower stalks of garlic plants, often rot during storage due to fungal infections. Researchers discovered that carvacrol, a natural compound found in herbs like thyme and oregano, effectively kills the fungi responsible for this spoilage. By damaging the fungal cell walls, carvacrol can help preserve fresh garlic scapes longer without synthetic chemicals, making it a promising natural food preservative for grocery stores and consumers.

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