Crop Protection — Crop Postharvest Citrus 4
Sour Rot: Galactomyctes citri-aurantii (formally, Geotrichum candidum ).
Symptoms
- Very soft, watery decay.
- Distinct margin between decayed and healthy tissue.
- Sour odour detectable.
Occurrence
- Infection occurs in damaged fruit.
- Fungicide used to control blue & green moulds may not control Sour rot. (eg., USA accepted
- fungicides).
- Sour rot spores in soil can accumulate in recirculating water in dips and drenches.
- Spreads by contact after packing creating nests of infected fruit in boxes.
Management
- Careful handling reduces rind damage.
- Apply Guazatine fungicide within 24hrs of harvest.
- Strong emphasis of sanitisers when Guazatine fungicide not approved for use.
Image source:
| Soft fruit part | Watery decay | Decayed fruit |