Citrus bliss: potassium, sodium, and calcium silicates secrets for post-harvest diseases of fruit defense

Submitted: 6 June 2024
Accepted: 14 October 2024
Published: 23 October 2024
Abstract Views: 4726
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Biotic stress significantly challenges the global citrus industry. Major post-harvest issues include diseases caused by Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Geotrichum citri-aurantii, Alternaria alternata, and Phytophthora citrophthora. The negative impact of chemical fungicides on the environment and health necessitates eco-friendly alternatives. This study examines the effectiveness of sodium, potassium, and calcium silicates against common citrus diseases. In vitro tests evaluated mycelial growth inhibition using silicate concentrations from 0 to 10,000 ppm after 7 days at 25°C. Sodium silicate showed the highest efficacy, completely inhibiting P. digitatum and P. italicum at 2000 ppm. Potassium and calcium silicates achieved 100% inhibition against Penicillium spp. at a concentration of 1%. In vivo tests on Sidi Aissa clementines assessed the preventive and curative effects of 1, 2, and 6% silicate salt solutions. Sodium silicate prevented 41% of brown rot, 72% of sour rot, and 100% of green mold at 6%. Calcium silicate at 6% significantly reduced blue mold and black rot by 32% and 74%, respectively. Sodium silicate was most effective in curative treatments, suggesting its potential as a pre- or post-harvest spray to control P. digitatum, P. italicum, and G. citri-aurantii.

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How to Cite

1.
Hamrani M, Lahlali R, Ziri R, Ezzouggari R, Brhadda N, Lauri F, Mokrini F, Barka EA, El Guilli M. Citrus bliss: potassium, sodium, and calcium silicates secrets for post-harvest diseases of fruit defense. Ital J Food Safety [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 23 [cited 2024 Nov. 21];. Available from: https://www.pagepressjournals.org/ijfs/article/view/12714