Postharvest storage rots of apples and pears in the Netherlands

Postharvest diseases are a major problem in long storage of apples and pears in the Netherlands. Despite intensive preharvest spraying Programmes significant losses occur. Over 150 heavily affected lots of apples (mainly cv. Elstar) and pears (mainly cv. Conference) from packing houses in different regions of the Netherlands were evaluated for decay symptoms and causal organisms. Assessments showed that the most important pathogens are Neofabraea spp. (apples and pears) and Cadophora spp. (pears). Infection by these two athogens occurs in the orchard but remains latent until storage. Other pat... Mehr ...