INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF POSTHARVEST DECAY IN PEAR

Fungal decay of pears during cold storage can be minimized by a diverse program to reduce pathogen inoculum, strengthen fruit decay resistance, and protect fruit wounds that occur during harvest and transport. Clean orchards, with little decaying organic matter on the orchard floor and dead or dying wood remaining in trees present reduced risk of fruit contamination with fungal spores. Fruit that are relatively low in nitrogen, high in calcium, harvested early in the maturity period and harvested with minimal injury are less likely to be infected and infections may develop later in the fruit storage life. Effective fungicides are registered for postharvest line-spray application in the USA, and fruit coverage is excellent, but application timing is often too late to adequately protect fruit wounds. Fungicides applied as in-orchard or postharvest bin drenches or as thermofog treatments in storage rooms can be applied promptly after harvest but sacrifice thorough fruit coverage. Spray applications of calcium during mid-late summer followed by fungicide and/or resistance stimulant one week preharvest can be highly effective against some types of decay. Integrated management through application of multiple techniques can reduce the risk of postharvest decay.