Vol. 10, Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
Amandeep Kaur, Amanpreet Singh Sran, Ashu Rani and Dr. Bahaderjeet Singh

Abstract:
Kinnow is an important citrus crop grown in India. Pre-harvest fruit drop caused by fungal pathogens is a major problem with Kinnow mandarin in all fruit growing regions of the world, results in huge economic losses to Kinnow fruit growers. In order to measure the pathological fruit drop a survey was conducted in Kinnow growing different regions of Punjab viz; Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka. Our results indicated that, Fruit drop was significantly higher during the second fortnight of September and first fortnight of October in Kinnow growing regions of Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka. Three fungi viz; Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Diplodia natalensis and Alternaria citri are considered to be largely associated with the fruit drop disease. All botanicals, BCAs and chemicals inhibited the growth (colony diameter) of both pathogens over untreated PDA plates, but the maximum inhibition was exhibited by B. subtilis followed by garlic. It is evident from our studies that BCAs and botanicals have the potential to control Preharvest diseases without causing any injury or harmful effects on Kinnow mandarin; these can be recommended as a safe method for extending its storage life while maintaining fruit quality at the same time.