Management of post harvest sour rot of Nagpur mandarin incited by Geotrichum candidum

Nagpur mandarin an important commercial crop of Vidarbha, faces heavy loss due to sour rot caused by devastating post harvest fungal pathogen Geotrichum candidum that is fast growing and once attack spoils fruit over night emitting strong sour smell. Newer fungicides, edible wax and antagonist were tested in combination to manage this disease under ambient storage conditions. Among treatments, Propiconazole 0.1% + Vegetable Wax 6% was most effective on 3^rd and 6^th day followed by Propiconazole0.1% + Citracine Wax 6%. After 6^th day no treatment was effective. Highest (1: 8.03) Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio was found in the treatment Propiconazole 0.1% + Vegetable Wax 6% followed by Propiconazole 0.1% + Citracine Wax 6% (1: 7.54). Pesticide residue analysis of recommended dose of Propiconazole by HPLC indicate that it had 20–30 times less residues than Maximum Residue Limits set by Europe, Codex Alimentarius Commission, Canada and USA. Dipping of Nagpur mandarin fruits in 1ml/litre solution of propiconazole followed by coating with 6% Vegetable or Citracine Wax can protect the fruits from Geotrichum rot upto 6 days of harvesting under ambient storage conditions.