UV-C irradiation in preventing Botrytis storage rot of strawberry, table grapes and kiwifruit

The effects of UV-C radiation at 254 nm on botrytis storage rot of strawberries (cv Pajaro), table grapes (cv Italia) and kiwifruits (cv Hayward) were evaluated. The results showed a significant effect of low UV-C doses on the number and size of Botrytis cinerea infections in fruits kept at room temperature or cold stored. In particular, doses ranging from 0.125 to 0.5 and from 0.5 to 1.0 kJ m-2 reduced decay in table grapes and strawberry, respectively; in kiwifruit the doses 0.5 and 2 kJ m-2 reduced botrytis decay originating from inoculated artificial wounds and pedicel scars, respectively. Moreover, an higher activity of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme (PAL) was found in strawberries and kiwifruits irradiated with UV-C doses effective in reducing botrytis storage rot.