Abstract | AIMS: To investigate the effects of trans-2-hexenal on blue mould disease, patulin content and fruit quality in 'Conference' pears. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fruits, wounded and inoculated with Penicillium expansum or non-inoculated, were exposed to trans-2-hexenal vapour treatment (12.5 microl l(-1)) at 20 degrees C. A greater reduction of decay was obtained by treatment application 24 or 48 h after inoculation, in contrast trans-2-hexenal application 2 h after inoculation was ineffective. Fruit storage temperature (-1 degrees C) after treatment did not affect the antifungal activity. Although 2-h exposure to trans-2-hexenal was effective in reducing blue mould, an exposure of at least 8 h was required to reduce fruit patulin content. Treatments did not affect fruit physical-chemical characteristics. After 6 days at 20 degrees C following exposure, trans-2-hexenal residue in treated fruits was less than the natural content of the compound in unripe fruits. CONCLUSIONS:
trans-2-Hexenal treatment is effective in the reduction of blue mould infections and patulin content in Conference pears when applied 24-48 h after pathogen inoculation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:
trans-2-Hexenal could be a natural alternative to fungicides in the control of P. expansum infections. Further work is needed to study the methods and conditions avoiding the persistence of off-odours and off-flavours in pears after their exposure to trans-2-hexenal vapours.
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Authors | F Neri, M Mari, A M Menniti, S Brigati |
Journal | Journal of applied microbiology
(J Appl Microbiol)
Vol. 100
Issue 6
Pg. 1186-93
(Jun 2006)
ISSN: 1364-5072 [Print] England |
PMID | 16696666
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Aldehydes
- Antifungal Agents
- 2-hexenal
- Patulin
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Topics |
- Aldehydes
(analysis, pharmacology)
- Antifungal Agents
(analysis, pharmacology)
- Drug Residues
(analysis)
- Food Microbiology
- Food Preservation
- Humans
- Odorants
- Patulin
(analysis)
- Penicillium
(drug effects, physiology)
- Plant Diseases
(microbiology)
- Pyrus
(chemistry, microbiology)
- Time Factors
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