Abstract

The present study aimed to study influence of temperature and relative humidity on fruit rots (Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus niger) of ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) and find appropriate management option during storage period. Maximum damage by A. alternata was observed at 25°C while A. niger showed maximum severity at 30°C. Positive relationship was observed between relative humidity (RH) and fruit rot by both pathogens which showed highest severity at 100% RH. The pre-and post-inoculation treatment of ber fruits with four vegetable oils, four plant extracts and four fungicides showed significant differences in effectiveness in controlling both pathogens. Neem oil and its leaf extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced severity of fruit rots by both pathogens. Among chemicals, the carbendazim at 1000 ppm proved effective against Alternaria and Aspergillus fruit rot. Chemical fungicides reduced fungus growth significantly (p<0.05) better than botanicals; however, botanical also showed better response than control. The effectiveness of botanicals in post-harvest storage of ber can be used at commercial scale.

Key words: Zizyphus mauritiana, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, fruit rot, vegetable oil, botanicals.