SODIUM-BICARBONATE REDUCES POSTHARVEST DECAY DEVELOPMENT ON MELONS

Sodium bicarbonate (SBC) inhibited in vitro mycelial growth of A. alte rnata, Fusarium spp. and R. stolonifer. SBC action was fungistatic rat her than fungicidal. Coating commercially harvested 'Galia' and 'Ein-D or' melons with wax containing 2% SBC reduced decay incidence after st orage and shelf life simulation by four to seven-fold, to a commercial ly acceptable level of 6-7%, compared to untreated or waxed-treated co ntrols. This treatment also maintained the fresh and blemish-free appe arance of the fruit at harvest. Higher concentrations of SBC (3%) were phytotoxic and significantly reduced general fruit appearance. A tria l shipment by sea transport to Europe demonstrated that 2% SBC incorpo rated into a wax coating maintained the marketability of 'Galia' melon fruits compared to that of untreated fruit. SBC can be an alternative biocide to the fungicide imazalil, thus eliminating unwanted residues on melon fruits. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.