Investigation of Rot Disease on the Salak’s Taper Tip along the Supply Chain

Abstract

Salak fruit (Salacca edulis Reinw.) which is not handled properly during distribution and marketing will be damaged. The biggest damage caused by rot disease on the taper tip of the fruit, which has an impact on postharvest losses and market rejection. The aims of this study were to examine supply chain pattern of salak pondoh, rot disease causative microorganisms on the salak's taper tip and the magnitude of postharvest losses due to the rot disease. Data were collected by survey method to obtain the pattern of supply chain and postharvest losses rate. Surveys (interviews and observations) were conducted in each of the supply chain actors at salak pondoh production centers, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. Laboratory observations to identify disease causative microorganisms were conducted using single spore isolation method on the PDA and fungi morphological observations. The results of the investigation of supply chain patterns in Sleman Regency, in general, there are three patterns, namely supply chain for the distribution of traditional markets, modern markets, and export markets. Total postharvest losses along those supply chains were 22.89%, 11.27%, and 6.26%, respectively. The results of isolation were obtained five fungus isolates, namely Thielaviopsis paradoxa (De Seynes) Honhel (58.4%) Colletotrichum gloeosporioides section (19.48%), Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenberg) Vuillemin (15.58%), Mucor sp. (3.90%), and Mycelia sterilia (2.60%). Based on the level of findings, the fungus Thielaviopsis paradoxa was the main causative microorganisms of rot disease on the salak pondoh's taper tip.