Journal of Plant Pathology (2006) 88, p. S22 (Neri et al.)

F. Neri, M. Mari, A.M. Menniti, S. Brigati and P. Bertolini (2006)
Biofumigation with trans-2-hexenal for controlling Penicillium expansum infections in pome fruits
Journal of Plant Pathology 88 (3, Special Issue), S22-S22
S.I.Pa.V XIII National Meeting - Foggia, 12-16 September 2006 - Oral Presentation
Abstract: Penicillium expansum Link, the agent of blue mould, is one of the main causes of postharvest losses in pome fruits and is of particular concern because it produces the mycotoxin patulin. The selection of thiabendazole-resistant strains of P. expansum and the restrictions in the use of synthetic fungicides have stimulated research in alternative control measures. Among these, trans-2-hexenal, a volatile compound naturally occurring in many fruits and vegetables, known to be involved in plant defence responses to wounds and pathogen attack, was tested for its effect on blue mould, patulin content, and fruit quality in several cultivars of pears and apples. Fruit, wound-inoculated or non-inoculated, were treated at 20°C with different concentrations of trans-2-hexenal over a 24 h period. Blue mould control, ranging from 50 to 98% (depending on the cultivar), and reduction of patulin content were achieved when fruit were exposed to vapours of trans-2-hexenal at a concentration of 12.5 mL L-1 24 h after pathogen inoculation. Trans-2-Hexenal (12.5 mL L-1) did not affect the physical-chemical characteristics of the fruits. Only in 'Abate Fetel' pears phytotoxic symptoms developed within 3 days of treatment. Off-odour developed just after treatment, but the intensity decreased or disappeared during shelflife. After 7 days at 20°C following the treatment no significant difference in trans-2-hexenal content or in sensory traits was detected by a trained panel between untreated and treated 'Golden Delicious' apples, while off-flavour persistence was perceived in the fruis of 'Conference', 'Bartlett', 'Abate Fetel' pears and 'Royal Gala' apples.
Database assignments for author(s): Marta Mari, Paolo Bertolini

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Penicillium expansum	Stored fruits/vegetables	Italy