Chitosan and salicylic acid as alternatives for the control of postharvest fungal diseases in blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Ramos Bell, S. and Hernández Montiel, L. G. and Velázquez Estrada, R. M. and Moreno Hernández, C. L. and Gutiérrez Martínez, P. (2023) Chitosan and salicylic acid as alternatives for the control of postharvest fungal diseases in blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). International Food Research Journal (Malaysia), 30. pp. 992-1000. ISSN 2231 7546

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) has characteristics that make it a highly coveted fruit by the population that seeks benefits for their health, thus giving it economic and social relevance. However, it is a very perishable fruit. In the present work, Botrytis sp., Penicillium sp., and Alternaria sp. were isolated from blueberry, and molecularly identified. The in vitro effect of chitosan (CHI) and salicylic acid (SA) on the growth of these phytopathogens was then evaluated, as well as the incidence of the disease after the application of these treatments on blueberry. CHI at 1.5% achieved an in vitro mycelial growth inhibition of Botrytis sp., Penicillium sp., and Alternaria sp. by 93, 84, and 40%, respectively. Furthermore, a complete germination inhibition of Penicillium sp. and Alternaria sp. was accomplished; Botrytis sp. spores were less sensitive to chitosan treatment. The germination percentage of the phytopathogens was reduced by 90% using SA at 5 mM. The in vivo application of CHI at 1.5% and SA at 5 mM decreased the percentage of incidence of phytopathogens in blueberries harvested after storage period at 25°C, as compared to the control. Based on these results, SA and CHI represent an alternative for the control of phytopathogens in blueberry to eliminate the use of synthetic fungicides.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.ifrj.upm.edu.my/30%20(04)%202023/16%20-...

Abstract

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) has characteristics that make it a highly coveted fruit by the population that seeks benefits for their health, thus giving it economic and social relevance. However, it is a very perishable fruit. In the present work, Botrytis sp., Penicillium sp., and Alternaria sp. were isolated from blueberry, and molecularly identified. The in vitro effect of chitosan (CHI) and salicylic acid (SA) on the growth of these phytopathogens was then evaluated, as well as the incidence of the disease after the application of these treatments on blueberry. CHI at 1.5% achieved an in vitro mycelial growth inhibition of Botrytis sp., Penicillium sp., and Alternaria sp. by 93, 84, and 40%, respectively. Furthermore, a complete germination inhibition of Penicillium sp. and Alternaria sp. was accomplished; Botrytis sp. spores were less sensitive to chitosan treatment. The germination percentage of the phytopathogens was reduced by 90% using SA at 5 mM. The in vivo application of CHI at 1.5% and SA at 5 mM decreased the percentage of incidence of phytopathogens in blueberries harvested after storage period at 25°C, as compared to the control. Based on these results, SA and CHI represent an alternative for the control of phytopathogens in blueberry to eliminate the use of synthetic fungicides.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	blueberries
AGROVOC Term:	chitosan
AGROVOC Term:	salicylic acids
AGROVOC Term:	postharvest diseases
AGROVOC Term:	biological control
AGROVOC Term:	postharvest technology
AGROVOC Term:	statistical methods
AGROVOC Term:	pathogens
AGROVOC Term:	plant pathologists
AGROVOC Term:	fruit quality
Geographical Term:	Mexico
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Vaccinium corymbosum
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2025 08:31
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2025 08:31
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1408

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