Integrated management of postharvest banana anthracnose (Colletotrichum musae) through plant extracts and hot water treatment

The aim of the present study was to determine the integrated effect of plant extracts and hot water treatment on postharvest anthracnose and banana fruit quality. Artificially inoculated banana fruit were dipped in 10% and 20% (w/v) extracts of four plant species, viz. Acacia albida, Argemone mexicana, Dovalis abyssinica and Prosopis juliflora at room temperature (20 °C), 45 °C and 50 °C. Fruit treated separately with 20% extracts of A. albida and P. juliflora at 50 °C had reduced anthracnose incidence and severity. These treatment combinations also had the highest percentage of marketable ripe banana fruits. In conclusion, applying aqueous plant extracts at 50 °C enhanced the antifungal activity of extracts without affecting the physico-chemical properties of banana.