Combination of rosemary oil and potassium sorbate controls anthracnose in mango fruit by triggering defense-related enzymes

Abstract

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose, a severe postharvest disease in mango fruit. Due to the ban on most fungicides, alternative methods are needed to control this disease and reduce postharvest losses. In this study, the effectiveness of rosemary oil (RMO) and potassium sorbate (PS) as organic alternatives was investigated. In in vitro experiments, 1000 μLL−1 RMO and 2% PS completely inhibited the growth of C. gloeosporioides. When applied to inoculated mango fruit, the RMO + PS treatment increased antioxidant activity and phenolic metabolism compared to control and synthetic fungicide. The treatment also up-regulated the activity of defense-related enzymes, such as peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), indicating improved postharvest quality and reduced losses during storage at different temperatures. Further research is needed for successful commercialization of this organic edible coating in the mango fruit industry.