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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #178451
Title: CONTROL OF BLUE MOLD OF APPLE BY COMBINING CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE, ANTAGONIST MIXTURES, AND SODIUM BICARBONATE

Author
item Conway, William
item Janisiewicz, Wojciech
item Leverentz, Britta
item Saftner, Robert
item Camp, Mary

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/6/2005
Publication Date: 6/20/2005
Citation: Conway, W.S., Janisiewicz, W.J., Leverentz, B., Saftner, R.A., Camp, M.J. 2005. Control of blue mold of apple by combining controlled atmosphere, antagonist mixtures, and sodium bicarbonate [abstract]. Phytopathology. 34:11-20.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: 'Golden Delicious' apples were wound-inoculated with Penicillium expansum treated with various combinations of sodium bicarbonate and two antagonists, and stored in air or controlled atmosphere (1.4% O2, 3% CO fruit were stored for 4 months at 1ºC. The antagonists survived and their populations increased in both air and controlled atmosphere storage. The antagonists alone reduced decay but tended to be somewhat more effective when combined. Sodium bicarbonate increased decay control by each antagonist alone or combined. Storage under controlled atmosphere conditions also increased the effectiveness of each antagonist, alone or in combination. The only treatment that completely eliminated decay caused by this pathogen was the combination of the two antagonists and sodium bicarbonate on fruit stored under controlled atmosphere conditions. The proper combination of alternative control measures could help reduce our dependency on fungicides.