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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Commodity Protection and Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #182984
Title: CONTROL OF GREEN MOLD AND SOUR ROT OF STORED LEMONS BY BIOFUMIGATION WITH MUSCODOR ALBUS

Author
item MERCIER, JULIEN - AGRAQUEST, INC
item Smilanick, Joseph

Submitted to: Journal of Biological Control
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2005
Publication Date: 1/7/2005
Citation: Mercier, J., Smilanick, J.L. 2005. Control of green mold and sour rot of stored lemons by biofumigation with muscodor albus. Journal of Biological Control. 32:401-407.

Interpretive Summary: Several fungi cause citrus fruit rot after harvest, which causes financial losses both for producers and consumers. We developed a new method to control rot by two of the most common fungi by using a biological control fungus placed within the fruit packages. This simple method shows promise to minimize rot losses and prolong the life of the fruit, and from our work it is evident the approach should be commercialized.

Technical Abstract: Control of postharvest lemon diseases by biofumigation with the volatile-producing fungus Muscodor albus was investigated. In vitro exposure to M. albus volatile compounds for 3 days killed Penicillium digitatum and Geotrichum citri-aurantii, causes of green mold and sour rot of lemons, respectively. Lemons were wound-inoculated with P. digitatum and placed in closed II.L plastic boxes with rye grain cultures of M. albus at ambient temperature. There was no contact between the fungus and the fruit. Biofumigation for 24-72 h controlled green mold significantly, even when treatment began 24 h after inoculation. Effectiveness was related to the amount of M. albus present. In tests conducted inside a 11.7-m3 degreening room with 5 ppm ethylene at 20 °C, green mold incidence on lemons was reduced on average from 89.8 to 26.2% after exposure to M. albus for 48 h. Ethylene accelerates color development in harvested citrus fruit. M albus had no effect on color development. Biofumigation in small boxes immediately after inoculation controlled sour rot, but was ineffective if applied 24 h later. G. citri-aurantii may be less sensitive to the volatile compounds than P. digitatum or escapes exposure within the fruit rind. Biofumigation with M. albus could control decay effectively in storage rooms or shipping packages.