Strategic control of postharvest decay in peach caused by Monilinia fructicola and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Abstract

In this work we report the postharvest control of Monilinia fructicola - causative agents of brown rot and Colletotrichum gloesporioides - causative agents of anthracnose. These fungi contribute significantly to the reduction of the marketing period of peach. The conventional control of these diseases can leave chemical residues on fruits and selecting resistant pathogenic strains. The use of essential oils can be a more appropriate alternative. Essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus, Cinnamomum camphora and Cymbopogum citratus were used in control. The results have demonstrated good control of these diseases manly using C. camphora and C. citratus in vitro and in vivo analysis beyond in vivo simulating cold storage. Our results in these essays indicate the possibility of using environmental-friendly essential oil in postharvest control of peaches and others fruits, without utilization of chemical fungicides.