Control of ripe fruit rots of banannas by the use of post-harvest fungicidal dips

Abstract

Five chemicals were used in screening trials for the control of black end and anthracnose of bananas, both caused by Colletotrichum musae. Of the fungicides tested, Benlate (R)-[Methyl (l-butylcarbamoy1)- 2-benzimidazolecarbamate] was the most effective. Thiabendazole and 2-amino butane also gave significant control. In a larger scale trial varying concentrations of Benlate were examined using clusters of fruit in commercial fibreboard carton packs. At 100 p.p.m. and above a high degree of control of crown rot and anthracnose was achieved, both diseases being virtually eliminated at 400 p.p.m.