Introduction. In-package biofumigation with the volatile-producing fungus
Muscodor albus was tested to control fungal decay in organic table
grapes stored at a commercial packinghouse. Materials and methods. Sachets
containing two different amounts of activated M. albus culture were
inserted into shipping boxes containing approximately 4.5 kg of ‘Thompson Seedless’ or
‘Red Seedless’ table grapes. The volatiles were contained inside the boxes either by
wrapping pallets of the boxes externally with plastic film after pre-cooling (pallet
wrapping) or by using a modified atmosphere liner inside each box. Decay incidence was
evaluated after 7 weeks of storage at 0 °C. Results. The
M. albus sachets reduced decay incidence among ‘Red Seedless’ table
grapes in both wrapped pallets and boxes with liners. In this cultivar, the modified
atmosphere liner alone reduced decay incidence by about 70% and the M. albus
treatment in the liner further reduced decay incidence, regardless of the amount
of M. albus used. The combination of the M. albus sachet
and the modified atmosphere liner proved to be the most effective decay control treatment.
Decay incidence was lower among ‘Thompson Seedless’ table grapes and a significant decay
control was only observed after the grapes had been allowed to warm up after storage with
the 50-g rates applied inside the liner. No adverse effects were associated with the
treatment or the liners. Discussion. Based on our results, biofumigation with
M. albus sachets is compatible with the commercial handling of organic
table grapes and could provide significant improvement in their shelf life.