Incidence of Post-harvest Blue Mould Rot Disease of Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Goerth.) Incited by Penicillium islandicum Sopp.

Abstract

Background: Aonla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Goerth. Syn. Phyllanthus emblica L.) is one of the most important indigenous fruit of Indian sub-continent and cultivated since time immemorial. Amongst post-harvest diseases of aonla, blue mould rot caused by Penicillium islandicum Sopp. is most important as it affects the fruit yield and quality pertaining to the market value. Methods: A survey was conducted during November to January 2015-16 to assess the post-harvest practices and losses of Indian gooseberry in four locations of Hisar and Rewari districts of Haryana viz., CCS HAU Hisar orchard, terminal market of Hisar, Regional Research Station, Bawal orchard and terminal market of Rewari. Result: The survey carried out from first fortnight of November to last fortnight of January, 2015-16 revealed that the maximum per cent disease incidence (6 and 7.50%) due to blue mould rot was observed in terminal markets of Rewari and Hisar districts, respectively. The disease incidence was 7.0 and 6.25 per cent in fruits collected from orchards of CCS HAU, Hisar and RRS, Bawal respectively after 10 days of storage in laboratory. Some indigenous postharvest practices were observed being practiced in all the growing areas mostly by the growers and /or traders involved in harvesting.