Sodium bicarbonate reduces postharvest decay development on melons

摘要: Abstract Sodium bicarbonate (SBC) inhibited in vitro mycelial growth of A. alternata, Fusarium spp. and R. stolonifer. SBC action was fungistatic rather than fungicidal. Coating commercially harvested ‘Galia’ ‘Ein-Dor’ melons with wax containing 2% reduced decay incidence after storage shelf life simulation by four to seven-fold, a acceptable level 6–7%, compared untreated or waxed-treated controls. This treatment also maintained the fresh blemish-free appearance fruit at harvest. Higher concentrations (3%) were phytotoxic significantly general appearance. A trial shipment sea transport Europe demonstrated that incorporated into coating marketability melon fruits fruit. can be an alternative biocide fungicide imazalil, thus eliminating unwanted residues on fruits.