Control of postharvest diseases of fruit by heat and fungicides: efficacy, residue levels, and residue persistence. A review

J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Aug 24;59(16):8531-42. doi: 10.1021/jf201899t. Epub 2011 Jul 27.

Abstract

Extensive research has been done in recent years to reduce the heavy dependence on chemical fungicides to control postharvest diseases and disorders of horticultural crops. Alternative strategies were based on improved cultural practices, biological control, plant-defense promoters, and physical treatments such as UV illumination, radiofrequency treatment, heat therapy, and storage technologies. Among these, postharvest heat treatments such as hot water dips, short hot water rinsing and brushing, and hot air conditioning have reduced rot development and enhanced fruit resistance to chilling injury in sensitive cultivars while retaining fruit quality during cold storage and shelf life. Additive or synergistic increases in effectiveness were observed by integrating heat therapy with various chemical compounds, thus leading to significant reductions in the application of active ingredients to protect produce from decay. This paper highlights the knowledge on this topic with emphasis on heat therapy effects and factors affecting the uptake, persistence, and performance of fungicide residues when they are applied in combination with hot water.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cold Temperature / adverse effects
  • Food Preservation / methods*
  • Fruit* / chemistry
  • Fungicides, Industrial / administration & dosage*
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Pesticide Residues / analysis*
  • Water

Substances

  • Fungicides, Industrial
  • Pesticide Residues
  • Water