Physical postharvest treatments in the control of stem‐end rot of mango

Abstract

Abstract Botryosphaeria dothidea is the major pathogen of mango in Brazil, causing stem‐end rot, which causes significant losses during transportation and storage. The current strategy to control this particular disease using synthetic fungicides has been ineffective, leaving residues in the fruit. The objective of the research was to study the effect of physical treatments, with hot water rinse brushing ( HWRB ) and ultraviolet C irradiation ( UV ‐C), individually and in combination, to control stem‐end rot of mango. Physicochemical parameters, respiration and resistance induction of the fruit were also analysed. The in vitro trials demonstrated that B. dothidea is a thermoresistant fungus. The individual treatments with HWRB at 65°C for 15 s and 2.5 kJ/m 2 of UV ‐C presented the best results, showing less symptoms of the disease during 18 days of storage. The combination of HWRB with UV ‐C did not improve the control of the disease when compared to the treatments applied individually. The physicochemical parameters and the consumer acceptance evaluation showed that both physical treatments preserved the appearance of the fruit and delayed the ripening–senescence process. The induction of defence‐related enzymes revealed that induced resistance was an important mechanism involved in the control of stem‐end rot of mango.