Growth of <i>Botrytis cinerea</i> and Strawberry Quality in Ozone‐enriched Atmospheres

Abstract

ABSTRACT Botrytis cinerea cultures were stored on potato dextrose agar in air with or without 1.5 μL/L ozone at 2 °C. Cultures stored in the presence of ozone grew slower. Strawberry fruits ( Fragaria × ananassa cv. Camarosa) were stored for 3 d at 2 °C in air with or without 1.5 μL/L ozone and then transferred to room temperature. Each group was inoculated with B. cinerea grown in air with or without ozone. Visible mycelial growth developed more rapidly on fruit previously stored in air. Ozone‐enriched cold storage of naturally infected ‘Camarosa’ fruit reduced decay incidence, weight loss, and fruit softening, but resulted in a reversible loss of fruit aroma.