POSTHARVEST MANAGEMENT OF GRAY MOULD DISEASE THROUGH BIOLOGICAL AND SYSTEMIC CHEMICALS

Abstract

Gray mould disease caused by Botrytis cineria of different economically important crops, on more than 500 species of plants, with 10 to 100 billion dollars losses throughout the world. Grey mould disease is considered as a major postharvest disease of different fruits especially apple, strawberry and grapes. Fungicides are the main source of the management of the postharvest diseases. Along with fungicide different medicinal plants like Citrullus colocynthis, Calotropis procera and Capparis decidua are used an antifungal agent against different post-harvest diseases of fruits caused by Botrytis cineria. Citrullus colocynthis inhibit 77.9% growth rate at 200ppm concentration. Topes’ (100EC) fungicide inhibits growth of Botrytis cineria by 83.5% at 150ppm concentration but at 200ppm concentration growth inhibition % remain same as 150ppm concentration. During management plants extracts and systemic fungicide were used for fruits coating. CRD (Completely randomized design) was used in lab and for greenhouse experiments. For comparing the differences between the means (LSD) was used at the 5% variation. The ultimate aim of present research to increase shelf life of fruits product and reduce their postharvest loss that cause economic losses.