Food safe additives protect 'Ambrosia' apples in storage
Introduction
This research was done to find alternatives to fungicides for managing three post-harvest diseases in apples. These post-harvest diseases were grey mold (Botrytis cinerea), blue mold (Mucor piriformis), and Mucor rot (Penicillium expansum), which commonly cause apple decay in storage and can lead to significant losses for BC growers. While fungicides are used to manage these diseases, some are developing resistance and there is growing pressure from consumers to reduce the use of chemicals on food.
The study explored whether accessible, low-cost food-safe additives already used in the produce sector, alone or combined with beneficial bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens), could control three kinds of postharvest diseases on ‘Ambrosia’ apples.
About this brief
This brief was prepared by Nisa Chavez from the BC Food Web team, with the help of Rhiannon Wallace and Louise Nelson, and is based on the following scientific journal article:
- Wallace, R. L., Hirkala, D. L., & Nelson, L. M. (2019). Pseudomonas fluorescens and low doses of chemicals inhibit postharvest decay of apples in commercial storage. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 41(3), 355-365. https://doi.org/10.1080/07060661.2019.1605539.
Key Findings
This study tested food‑safe additives as accessible, low‑cost options to manage post‑harvest diseases in stored ‘Ambrosia’ apples.
- Baking soda and calcium chloride reduced the number of apples affected by two out of three post-harvest diseases. Their level of control was similar to the commercial fungicide, Scholar.
- Beneficial bacteria also showed promise. Some strains controlled post-harvest diseases and performed similarly to commercial fungicides and biocontrol products during storage. More research is needed to understand when these bacteria work best and whether they are suitable for commercial use.