The use of a surface coating to ameliorate the rate of spread of post-harvest fungal diseases of top fruit

The impact of TAL Pro-long coatings (a sucrose-ester composition) on the development of some common post-harvest fungal rots of top fruit is reported. Coatings were not observed to be fungistatic but did diminish the incidence of fungal infections on Conference pears held in cold store. At higher temperatures coatings modified the spatial distribution and reduced the rate of spread of lesions within apples and pears. In comparison to experimental controls, TAL Pro-long had a greater effect on those rots caused by Botrytis cinerea Fr., Monilinia fructigena (Aberh. & Ruhl.) Honey and Rhizopus nigricans Lind. than those of Alternaria alternata Fr., M. laxa (Aberh. & Ruhl.) Honey and Penicillium expansum Link em. Thom. The efficacy of the treatments was related to the concentration of the preparations applied, the variety of fruit, the timing of application and the temperature to which produce were subsequently exposed.