Benzimidazole derivatives as post-harvest fungicides to control rotting of pears, cherries, and apricots

Abstract

Wastage in pears inoculated with Penicillium expansum and Botyfis cinerea was significantly reduced when the fruit was dipped in aqueous formulations of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)-benzimidazole (thiabendazole or 1-(butyl-carbamoy1)-2-benzimidazole carbamic acid methyl ester (benomyl). These compounds also significantly reduced wastage in cherries and apricots inoculated with Sclerotinia fructicola. 5-n-butyl- 2-benzimidazole carbamic acid methyl ester (Parbendazole (R)) reduced rotting by Penicillium expansum in pears but was not tested against the other organisms. Although these three compounds have the benzimidazole ring in common benomyl was the most effective fungicide.