Fungicide application in water and in wax for decay control in ‘Galia’ melons

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Abstract
‘Galia’ melons (Cucumis melo cv. Reticulatus) exported from Israel to Europe, are treated with 2000 ppm imazalil. The fungicide is incorporated in the wax used to coat the melon. This treatment protects the fruit against decay caused by Alternaria alternata and Fusarium spp., and leaves a residue of 4–5 ppm imazalil in the fruit. This amount exceeds the tolarance of some European countries who allow a residue below 0.5 ppm. To overcome this problem, other application methods were tested. Dipping or spraying the melons with 250 ppm imazalil in water followed by waxing, was as effective as the standard treatment while leaving a residue of 0.5 ppm. Testing other fungicides such as prochloraz and orthophenylphenol (OPP) confirmed that much smaller amounts are needed for decay control when applied in water.