808 PB 144 EFFECTIVNESS OF AEROSOL SPRAYS FOR CONTROLLING ROT IN TABLE GRAPES

Abstract

Fruit of Vitis vinifera cvs. Flame Seedless, Thompson Seedless and Black Monukka were fumigated with 4, 6 and 8 Deccodione Smoke Tables (DST) for 30 minutes. Fruit was stored at 32 F and high relative humidity. Decay control index, freshness of stems and bleaching around the capstem were recorded at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of storage. Size of the aerosol particles was determined using an electrical aerosol analyzer. Fruit was analysed for Deccodione residues. Lower rates of the fungicide gave unsatisfactory decay control. Eight DSTs successfully controlled decay upto a period of 14 weeks. There was no bleaching of pigments commonly associated with sulfur dioxide fumigation. Majority of the aerosol particles were between 0.18 and 0.32 micrometers. Deccodione residues on the fruit were within the acceptable limits established for Deccodione. There was no perceptible difference in taste between treated and control fruit. This method of decay control could provide a viable alternative to sulfur dioxide fumigation.