Seasonal Disease Profile and Chemical Management of Fungal Rot Loss of Citrus Fruits

The peak penod of fungal rottage loss of lime fruit started from the summer month of May (8.3%), maximum in the month of August (15.1%) and declined thereafter, in October (8.5%). Aspergillus niger was the major contributor (5.1 - 10.8%) of huge rottage loss. However, the maximum spoilage during winter months was due to Penicillium digitatum (1.1–2.7%) and P. italicum (0.6–1.2%) causing green and blue molds of lime fruits, respectively. All the six fungitoxicants were effective against green mold (Penicillium digitatum) responsible for rottage losses of citrus fruits in the post-harvest market chain. However, thiabendazole (0 5%), benlate (0.05%) and bavistin (0.05%) were equally effective against the rot.