Effects of equilibrium relative humidity on in vitro growth of Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata

Mycelial growth in vitro of 2 fungal pathogens responsible for postharvest loss of horticulture produce, Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata, was related to equilibrium relative humidity (e.r.h) at ambient temperature (20 degrees C) using solutes to adjust the 'osmotic water potential' of the growth medium. Colony diameter growth of B. cinerea and A. alternata on solid medium (1/2 potato dextrose agar) was initially stimulated slightly when the e.r.h. was decreased from 99.7 (unamended medium) to 99.3% (-0.4 to -1.0 MPa). Thereafter, colony diameter growth continually decreased as a function of reducing e.r.h. over the range 99.3-94.3% e.r.h. (-1.0 to -8.0 MPa). Similar trends were recorded with both pathogens for their dry matter growth in liquid medium (Oxoid Czapek Dox) as a function of osmotic potential. Initial stimulation of dry matter growth at -1.0 MPa (equivalent to 99.3% e.r.h.) was not evident in liquid medium. Fungal growth data suggest that postharvest mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata on wounds, senescing tissue or secretions such as cell sap or nectar could be restricted through control of e.r.h. in packages of horticulture produce.