Efficacy of three calcium products for control of peach brown rot

Abstract

The effectiveness of the calcium products Chelan, Power-Ca, and calcium chloride to reduce the development of Monilinia laxa on 'Andross' peach (Prunus persica) was investigated. The mycelium growth of M. laxa on potato dextrose agar modified with Chelan, Power-Ca, or calcium chloride compound at concentrations 1, 2, and 4 g·L-1 was significantly reduced in comparison with the water. Chelan, Power-Ca, and calcium chloride applied as foliar sprays did not significantly affect the development of the pathogen on inoculated immature and mature peaches. However, dipping peaches in solutions containing one of the calcium products tested reduced significantly the percentage of M. laxa infection on inoculated fruit.