Blue Mould Rot of Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco) caused by Penicillium italicum (Wehmer) and its Management
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is an important citrus fruit belongs to
family Rutaceae. Blue mould rot of orange caused by Penicillium italicum
(Wehmer) fungus, is an important fruit rot, among all fruit rots of this crop and it
reduces fruit quality.
Survey was conducted in fruit markets of Rajasthan namely Jaipur,
Chomu, Sikar, Ajmer, Alwar, Jhalawar and local market of Jobner and from each
market, infected and healthy fruit samples were collected during the peak of its
availability (January-April). Maximum blue mould rot incidence was recorded in
Jobner fruit market (13.75 %) during 2020. Cork-borer injury method of fruit
inoculation was found most effective in producing blue mould rot. The severity of
blue mould rot was maximum at 25o
C and at 100 per cent relative humidity.
The total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid, total soluble sugar,
reducing and non-reducing sugar contents were significantly reduced in fruits
having more than 75 per cent disease severity.
Hot water treatment at 65o
C revealed 29.12%, fruit wrapping with
perforated paper (19.16%) and dipping of fruits in potassium metabisulphite
solution (0.25%) + coating with paraffin wax (20%) were provided effective
control (69.01%) of blue mould rot.
Aerated steam at 52o
C for 15 minutes was found highly effective
(63.63%) in controlling fruit rot.Among five botanicals, extract of garlic cloves (10%) was found most
effective in mycelial growth inhibition (89.74%) and reducing disease severity
(53.30%).
In six edible and non edible oils, eucalyptus oil (4%) was proved most
effective in reducing mycelial growth (94.65%) and disease severity (50.63%).
Among four bio-agents, Pseudomonas fluorescens was recorded highly
effective in inhibition of mycelial growth (81.53%) and also checked the blue
mould severity (61.46%) in orange.
In five fungicides, captan (0.2%) was the most effective in reduction of
mycelial growth (94.75%) and disease severity (79.71%) of blue mould rot of
orange.
Among four food preservatives, potassium metabisulphite (0.50%) was
the most effective in inhibition of mycelial growth (85.60 %) of P. italicum and in
reducing disease severity (64.05%).
Among four homeodrugs, nitric acid (0.2%) was the most effective in
inhibition of mycelial growth (91.61%) and disease severity (64.63%) of blue
mould rot of orange.
Among four plant growth regulators, gibberellic acid (200 ppm) was the
most effective in inhibition of mycelial growth (89.46%) and disease severity
(55.41%) of blue mould rot of orange