Control of Fungal Pathogen Causing Postharvest Rot of Grape Berries by SO_2-generating Paper

[Synopsis] In order to chemically control the fungal pathogens causing postharvest rot of grape berries, some fungicides were examined for their effect on the growth of fungi and berry shuttering due to those fungi in the present study. The in vitro assay of the fungicidal compounds indicated that a vaporizable compound such as sodium sulfite had a wide range of antifungal spectrum and inhibited the growth of Rhizopus stolonifer, one of the most important pathogens causing posthatvest rot during the storage. For actual protection of stored grape berries from the pathogens, the paper impregnated with sodium sulfite was used for humigating grape berries in storage. The result clearly indicated that SO_2 generated from the paper was highly effective for suppressing the growth of major phytopathogenic fungi including R. stolonifer, Aspergilus niger, and Botorytis cenerea, suggesting that containment of berries with the SO_2-generating paper could be a promising method for protecting grape berries from these postharvest fungal pathogens during the storage and long-distant transportation in China.Kusakari, Shin-ich