Use of a Muscodor albus pad delivery system for the management of brown rot of peach in shipping cartons

Biofumigation of peaches in shipping canons with pads containing culture of the volatile-producing fungus Muscodor albus was investigated for the control of brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola. Biofumigation during cold storage (1-2 degrees C) with 50 or 200 g of M. albus per plastic bag and enclosed carton containing 14 kg of fruit reduced the incidence of brown rot significantly (P < 0.05) with 'Coronet' and 'Red Globe' peaches and disease incidence was comparable or lower (P < 0.05) than decay in fungicide-treated peaches. Biofumigation was not as effective in non-bagged cartons, although significant brown rot control was observed in 'Red Globe' peaches with the 200-g treatment. Containment of volatile compounds in the cartons is thus important for the efficacy of this treatment in cold storage. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.