Aqueous chlorine dioxide for the management of powdery mildew vis-a-vis maintaining quality of grapes and raisins

Indian grape growing system is facing various biotic and abiotic stresses. Powdery mildew is main biotic threat and load of fungicides goes in the berries during the management of the disease. Applications of fungicides increases input cost and badly affect grape quality. Prevailing hot conditions during harvesting of grape bunches in the main grape growing areas, result in deterioration in quality and shortening of shelf life. Application of Agro-Rakshak (aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide) at 150 ppm was found effective in controlling powdery mildew, while application at 200 ppm dose was effective in maintaining the berry quality during storage at ambient conditions. Application of chlorine dioxide minimized the growth of bacteria and yeast in raisins during storage under ambient conditions.