Internal fruit rot of capsicum
Project partner
Hort Innovation
Duration
2019-2024
Summary
Internal rot of capsicum is a major issue for field and greenhouse growers worldwide. It is thought that infection occurs at flowering but remains latent in the fruit until it starts to ripen. Once capsicums are harvested development accelerates, spreading over the seed mass and into the edible flesh.
As the disease is not visible externally, infected fruit are sent to market. As a result, internal rots are a major source of complaints by consumers as well as rejections by retailers. Major outbreaks of internal rot have been reported in Bundaberg, Stanthorpe, Bowen and other areas. However, it is still not entirely clear what organism is responsible.
Various species of Fusarium have been identified in Europe and North America. However, a limited study in 2015 identified Alternaria alternata as responsible for symptoms in capsicums grown in Bundaberg.
The aim of this project is to:
Determine the organisms/s responsible for internal rot of capsicums in Australia
Investigate the mechanisms of infection and spread, including testing host susceptibility
Develop a predictive risk model disease incidence and an integrated disease management strategy to control internal rot in the field
Develop postharvest management options, such as using NIR to detect rots during packing, pre-cooling for high risk fruit, and strategies to market fruit before infections develop
Communicate the outcomes effectively to field and greenhouse capsicum growers.
For more information contact
Dr Jenny Ekman, Applied Horticultural Research Pty Ltd
