Activity of trans-2-hexenal against Penicillium expansum in 'Conference' pears.

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.

• 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)

Chemical References

• Aldehydes
• Antifungal Agents
• 2-hexenal
• Patulin

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