Reduction of Postharvest Losses of Strawberry Fruits from Gray Mold1

Abstract

Abstract Development of gray mold rot, caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr., in strawberry fruits during expedited cross-country truck transport and marketing periods of ca. 7 days at 5°C resulted mostly from preharvest infections. Postharvest infections occurred occasionally when healthy fruits were appressed against the lesion of a diseased fruit. Under the same conditions, postharvest conidial inoculations failed to produce visible lesions unless massive inoculum was used. Improved quality control at harvest, prompt cooling, and reduction of transit temperatures appeared to offer opportunities for disease reduction.