Impact of UV-C Radiation Applied during Plant Growth on Pre- and Postharvest Disease Sensitivity and Fruit Quality of Strawberry

Abstract

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation is efficient in reducing the development of diseases in many species, including strawberry (<i>Fragaria</i> × <i>ananassa</i>). Several studies suggest that UV-C radiation is effective not only because of its disinfecting effect but also because it may stimulate plant defenses. In this study, the effect of preharvest UV-C radiation applied during strawberry cultivation on plant growth, fruit quality, and susceptibility to major fungal diseases such as gray mold, powdery mildew, and soft rot was evaluated. UV-C treatments had an impact on flowering initiation and fruit development. Flowering occurred earlier for UV-C-treated plants than for nontreated plants. At harvest, a larger amount of fruit was produced by treated plants despite their slight decrease in leaf area. UV-C treatment did not improve strawberry shelf life but did not alter the physical integrity of strawberry fruit. Natural infection of leaves to powdery mildew and of fruit to <i>Rhizopus</i> spp. strongly decreased in response to UV-C treatment.