Postharvest Decay Control of Apple by Acetaldehyde Vapor1
in Journal of the American Society for Horticultural ScienceAbstract
Decay of apples (Malus sylvestris Mill.) inoculated with Penicillium expansum was controlled by acetaldehyde vapor concentrations (v/v) of 0.5% for 180 min, 1% for 120 min, 2% for 60 min, and 3% for 30 min. The above treatments did not produce lenticel or skin injury. Fumigated conidia did not germinate in 21 days at 21°C on artificial media and failed to induce decay in stem-punctured apples. The pathogen could not be re-isolated from fumigated inoculated punctures, however, the pathogen was obtained from inoculated punctures not exposed to acetaldehyde vapor. Fungicidal action of acetaldehyde vapor was a function of concentration and exposure period. Objectional off-flavors were not detected in fumigated apples, although appreciable amounts of acetaldehyde vapor were absorbed.
Contributor Notes
Received for publication November 12, 1973. Scientific Article No. A1946; Contribution No. 4876, Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station.
Associate Professor and Research Associate, respectively, Department of Horticulture.
