Title: Application of essential oils for postharvest control of stem end rot of mango fruits during storage

Authors: Pramila Tripathi, A.K. Shukla

Addresses: Department of Botany, D.A.V., P.G. College, Kanpur – 208001, India. ' Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar – 791112, India

Abstract: During screening of 14 essential oils against Botryodiplodia theobromae, geranium, mint, palmarosa, and thyme oils were found to exhibit absolute fungitoxic activity. The oils were subsequently standardised through physicochemical and fungitoxic properties. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of geranium, mint, palmarosa and thyme oil was found to be 200, 100, 100 and 50 ppm respectively. Due to their lower MIC as compared to some prevalent synthetic fungicides, the oils were found to be more efficacious as compared to synthetics. Practical applicability of the essential oils was observed in control of stem end rot of mango fruits (Dasheri and Langra variety) caused by B. theobromae during storage. Geranium, mint, palmarosa and thyme oils treated fruits showed enhancement of shelf storage life from five to ten days for both the respective varieties. Thus, the oils could be recommended as botanical fumigants after a long-term and wide range of trials.

Keywords: Botryodiplodia theobromae; essential oils; fungicides; fungitoxicity; geranium; mint; palmarosa; postharvest diseases; stem end rot; thyme; essential oils; postharvest control; mango fruits; fruit storage; shelf life; botanical fumigants.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2009.030689

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.405 - 415

Published online: 30 Dec 2009 *

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