THE EFFECTS OF SOME PREHARVEST TREATMENTS ON WOUND HEALING IN “SATSUMA” MANDARIN AFTER HARVEST

Many investigations have been recently carried out to reduce the use of agricultural chemicals in postharvest applications. For example, degreening of citrus fruit at high humidity (+90 % RH) and 30°C has been reported to reduce the incidence of decay caused by green mold, Penicillium digitatum (Ismail et al., 1979). High humidity and temperature accelerate the healing process and retard decay apparently by delaying spore germination and germ tube elongation of P. digitatum, thus preventing penetration before formation of the lignified protective layer (Ismail et al., 1975). The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of some preharvest applications (CaCl₂, 2,4-D, GA₃ and some fungicides) on wound healing in “Satsuma” mandarin peel during postharvest. Wound healing was examined microscopically, using histochemical tests.