THE EFFECT OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT ON CONTROLLING POSTHARVEST ROTS ON FRUITS

Low doses of ultraviolet light (254nm UV–C) irradiation reduced postharvest rots of pome, stone and citrus fruits. Brown rot ( Monilinia fructicola ) of `Elberta' and `Loring' peaches was significantly reduced by UV–C. Alternaria rot ( Alternaria spp.) and bitter rot ( Colletotrichum spp.) the principal storage rots of `Golden Delicious apples showed significant reduction following UV–C treatment. Further application of UV–C was effective in controlling green mold rot ( Penicillium digitatum ) of `Dancy' Tangerines and `Marsh Seedless' grapefruits, stem end rot ( Alternaria citri ), as well as sour rot ( Geotrichum candidum ) of `Dancy' tangerines after irradiation.