Control of anthracnose disease via increased activity of defence related enzymes in 'Hass' avocado fruit treated with methyl jasmonate and methyl salicylate

•MeJA or MeSA vapours exposure at 100 μmol l−1 reduced disease incidence in avocados.•Epicatechin content was higher in the skin of MeJA or MeSA exposed fruit.•The activity of chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase was higher in MeJA or MeSA exposed fruit.•MeJA or MeSA vapours exposure reduced the susceptibility of the fruit to anthracnose.

Development of anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. is one of the major issues within the avocado supply chain. Exposure to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and methyl salicylate (MeSA) vapours at 10 and 100 µmol l−1 was investigated as an alternative solution to commercial fungicide - prochloraz® that is currently being used by the industry. The incidence of anthracnose disease was found to be significantly reduced in 'Hass' avocado fruit treated with MeJA or MeSA vapours, especially at 100 μmol l−1. The mechanism involved enhanced activity of defence related enzymes, i.e. chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase and PAL, and higher content of epicatechin.