Summary

The project will evaluate the effectiveness of some Australian essential oils including Lemon Myrtle ( Backhusia citriodora), Aniseed Myrtle (Anetholea anisata ) and Tea tree (Melealeuca alternifolia) and their active constituents against main postharvest pathogens such as: Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia spp. Geotrichum candida and Fusarium spp. In vitro and in vivo trials on antifungal proprieties of selected essential oils will be conducted against the above postharvest pathogens.

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW – Inactive

Objective Summary

The objectives of the project are:
1.To compare the antifungal properties of lemon myrtle oil against citral and aniseed myrtle oil against trans-anethole on selected horticultural postharvest pathogens in vitro.
2.To evaluate the optimal application methods for the selected oils/components in vivo against inoculated and noninoculated products.
3.To establish the efficacy of the oils/components in vivo – treatments necessary to achieve at least 50% reduction in postharvest disease.
4.To trial whether treatment with the selected oils/components under these conditions taints the taste of the product.
5. To submit for publication results of this work in peer-reviewed plant pathology/postharvest journals.