Chapter 9 - Thielaviopsis paradoxa, Thielaviopsis basicola (Black Rot, Black Root Rot)

Abstract

Thielaviopsis paradoxa and Thielaviopsis basicola are plant pathogens and cause economically important diseases in many agronomic crops. The most important postharvest disease caused by T. paradoxa is black rot or stem-end-rot disease of pineapple while T. basicola is responsible for the development of black rot disease of carrots. Preharvest field sprays and postharvest fungicides applied as sprays or dips with food grade waxes have been shown to be effective in controlling the diseases. However, the use of fungicides for extended periods may lead to the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains and residues of fungicides present on the fruit surface may be harmful to consumers. The growing concerns of the consumer have generated an interest in the development of alternative approaches to postharvest disease control. Hot water treatment, irradiation, use of GRAS (generally regarded as safe) compounds and biological control are identified as successful alternatives to replace fungicide use. This chapter describes the overall importance of these two fungi and the control strategies.