Elicitors on the control of anthracnose and post-harvest quality in papaya fruits

Abstract

Papaya is one of the most grown and consumed fruits in the world. However, post-harvest diseases are responsible for more than 50 % of losses, including anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloesporioides, which promotes necrotic and rounded lesions and reduces fruit quality. Alternative products have been widely investigated in the control of pathogens. This study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of elicitors in the control of anthracnose, as well as their effect on post-harvest quality, in papaya fruits. The fruits were disinfested and immersed in acibenzolar-S-methyl, potassium phosphite, Rocksil^®, Agro-mos^®, Ecolife^®, sterilized distilled water and prochloraz, inoculated with C. gloesporioides and stored. Potassium phosphite, Rocksil^®, Ecolife^® and prochloraz resulted in the smallest diameters of lesions, and, consequently, in a greater protection and enzymatic activity. The fruits treated with Rocksil^® and Ecolife^® maintained the lowest levels of soluble solids and titratable acidity. Potassium phosphite, Rocksil^® and Ecolife^® are effective in controlling anthracnose, do not change the appearance and preserve the post-harvest quality of papaya fruits, and, therefore, may be used as an alternative to commercial fungicides.