Control of Green and Blue Molds of Citrus Fruits Using some Biocontrol Agents under Egyptian Conditions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12619, Giza, Egypt.

2 Environmental Studies & Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Egypt.

Abstract

Green mold (Penicillium digitatum (Pers.: Fr.) Sacc.) and blue mold (Penicillium italicum Wehmer.) are the main postharvest diseases attacking citrus fruits and responsible for huge losses. The efficacy of three bio-commercial products namely Biocontrol T34 (Trichoderma asperellum), BAS (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and SerenadaASO (Bacillus subtilis), were tested in vivo to control Citrus green and blue molds on orange fruits of cv. Valencia late (Citrus sinensis L. Osb.). Tecto (Thiabendazole) was used to compare the effectiveness of the three bio-commercial products. Concerning decay incidence, Tecto and Biocontrol T34 were the best treatments, completely inhibited green mold as compared to water control. Serenada ASO and BAS reduced the percentage of infection by 92.8 and 85.7%, respectively as compared to water control. In addition, regarding disease severity, also Tecto and Biocontrol T34 were the best treatments, completely inhibited green mold lesion development. Serenada ASO and BAS reduced the percentage of lesion diameter by 95.7 and 97.8%, respectively compared to untreated control. Biological control agents are promising alternatives control methods to manage citrus postharvest decays.

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