An integrated treatment of basil oil (ocimum basilicum) and alum with modified atmosphere to control crown rot disease in embul banana

Abstract

A study was undertaken with the objective of developing environmental friendly integrated treatment strategies for controlling crown rot disease in Embul banana. The fungicidal potential of 1% alum (sodium aluminium sulphate) was observed in vitro. Findings indicate that alum+basil oil (0.16% or 0.20% v/v) treated 80, 85, 90 day mature Embul banana fruits were relatively free from crown rot dis ease after subjecting to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and storage at optimum temperature. Crown rot disease severity of 85-day mature and vacuum packed 1% alum (w/v) washed banana was lower and comparable to carbendazim (bavistin) treatment. After ripening, there was no significant difference in physico-chemical properties (titratable acidity, total soluble solids, pH, fruit firmness) of all treated fruits compared to the control. Sensory properties were slightly affected as compared to un treated fruits. MAP and vaccum packaging in combination with alum and/ or basil oil spray treatments at 12-140C could extend the storage life of Embul banana upto 32 days which could be recommended for sea shipment.