An Integrated Treatment of Basil Oil (Ocimum basilicum) and Alum with Modified Atmosphere to Control Crown Rot Disease in Embul Banana
Abstract
A study was undertaken with the objective of developing environmental friendly integrated treatment strategies for controlling crown rot disease in Embul banana. The fungicidal potential of 1% alum (sodium aluminium sulphate) was observed in vitro. Findings indicate that alum+basil oil (0.16% or 0.20% v/v) treated 80, 85, 90 day mature Embul banana fruits were relatively free from crown rot disease after subjecting to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and storage at optimum temperature. Crown rot disease severity of 85-day mature and vacuum packed 1% alum (w/v) washed banana was lower and comparable to carbendazim (bavistin) treatment. After ripening, there was no significant difference in physico-chemical properties (titratable acidity, total soluble solids, pH, fruit firmness) of all treated fruits compared to the control. Sensory properties were slightly affected as compared to untreated fruits. MAP and vaccum packaging in combination with alum and/ or basil oil spray treatments at 12-14°C could extend the storage life of Embul banana upto 32 days which could be recommended for sea shipment.
Key words: Crown rot; Embul banana; Essential oils; Post harvest disease control
DOI: 10.4038/tare.v12i1.1980
Tropical Agricultural Research & Extension 12(1):2009 23-30
© 2010 K Abeywickrama, C Wijerathna, H Herath, KH Sarananada, published by Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons License.