Comparison of thiabendazole and benomyl as post-harvest fungicides for wastage control in long term lemon storage

Abstract

Thiabendazole and benomyl were compared for their effectiveness in controlling major postharvest diseases of lemons, caused by green mould (Penicillium digitatum Sacc.) and stem-end rot (Diaporthe citri (Faw.) Wolf). The lemons were stored at ambient temperatures and at 12°C and examined over a period of 26 weeks. Results showed benomyl gave excellent and better control of the diseases than TBZ. Although benomyl treated fruit was sound, skin colour was deep yellow and unattractive indicating the need for further research into methods of improving fruit appearance during long periods of storage.