Biocidal plant extracts in the post-harvest preservation of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Extratos vegetais biocidas na conservação pós-colheita de mirtilos (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Sanchez Ramos J.; Lozano Sandoval R.; De la Cruz Vilchez N.; Mañuico Mendoza R. · Revista Iberoamericana de Viticultura Agroindustria y Ruralidad (2026) · DOI: 10.35588/470v8v11

Resumen

In the last decade, Latin America has established itself as a leader in blueberry exports. However, it faces losses in the postharvest stage, estimated at 70%, caused mainly by pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum sp. and Rhizopus sp. The study evaluated the effect of biocidal plant extracts (garlic, Allium sativum; horsetail, Equisetum arvense; paico, Dysphania ambrosioides, and African milkvetch, Euphorbia tirucalli) on the incidence and postharvest shelf life of blueberries (V. corymbosum). Using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and three replicates, 150 fruits were stored at 7°C, taking 120 statistically representative fruits as a sample. The results of incidence and shelf life showed significant differences with Dunn’s test, with horsetail (0,003*), paico (0,025*) and African milkman (0,003*), with the exception of the control with garlic (0,055). On average, the control showed a 50% incidence followed by garlic (16,67%) and African milk (12,5%), while horsetail and paico showed no incidence (0%). Finally, according to the Barnett and Hunter keys, the pathogen present in the investigation was identified as B. cinerea.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Cañete