POSTHARVEST CONTROL OF ORANGE-GREEN MOLD CAUSED BY PENICILLIUM DIGITATUM USING CHITOSAN AND SALICYLIC ACID
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56286/gnfb5v29Abstract
In this study, the fungus Penicillium digitatum was isolated and identified as the causative agent of green mold disease in orange fruits based on its growth and morphological characteristics. Inhibition results showed that chitosan and salicylic acid exerted an inhibitory effect on the growth of Penicillium digitatum. Chitosan achieved complete inhibition at 1000 mg.L-1, while salicylic acid achieved 55% inhibition at a concentration of 500 mg.L-1. Treatments with chitosan and salicylic acid also reduced the incidence, disease severity, and mold area of ??stored fruit compared to untreated fruit. Furthermore, these treatments contributed to improved fruit quality during storage, reducing weight loss and increasing vitamin C and total soluble solids content TSS . After 96 hours, POD activity increased to 95.83 and 1.46 units in chitosan treatments and to 96.59 and 1.69 units, respectively, in salicylic acid treatments. It also increased the accumulation of total phenols to 16.4 and 16.3 mg.g.fw-1 in chitosan and salicylic acid treatments, respectively. These results indicate the effectiveness of chitosan and salicylic acid as antifungal agents and improve the resistance of orange fruits during storage, enhancing their potential as safe and environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling postharvest diseases.
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