Reducing fungicides: spray-free orchards

Everett K.R.; Alkan N.; Lennox C.L.; Wenneker M.; Burlakoti R.R.; Scheper R.W.A.; Aćimović S.G.; Adora D.; Aragón L.; Svecova E.B.; Bannister M.; Bernasconi A.; Bhatia S.; Block I.; Børve J.; Casas A.; Chillet M.; Dann E.K.; Derrick G.; Droby S.; van Dyk M.; Faust J.; Rebeaud S.G.; Guizzardi M.; Henriquez J.L.; Kabir S.; Kandel S.; Karaoglanidis G.S.; Kilmister R.; Khodadadi F.; Licheter A.; Lo P.-H.; Ludman-Mihaly K.; Marinkovich D.; Mkhwanazi G.M.; Meitz-Hopkins J.C.; van Niekerk J.M.; Nokdy I.; Palou L.; Parra J.; Parton G.; Peter K.; Pushparajah S.; Plooy W.D.; Rivera S.; Romanazzi G.; Shiraz F.R.; Testempasis S.; Tomingas K.; de Villiers C.; Xu X. · Acta Horticulturae (2026) · DOI: 10.17660/actahortic.2026.1451.27

Resumen

A workshop was held during the VII International Symposium on Postharvest Pathology (held in conjunction with the IX International Postharvest Symposium and the X International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruit and Vegetables) to discuss reducing fungicides in orchards for controlling postharvest diseases. This article summarizes the discussion that was guided by four convenors (Burlakoti, Wenneker, Lennox, Alkan), stimulated by the two organizers (Scheper, Everett), and contributed to by 45 workshop participants. Alternative treatments and procedures discussed included the importance of an elucidated disease cycle and knowledge of pathogen biology to target control strategies. Also discussed were novel/unconventional controls such as inducing a defense response or RNA interference, biocontrol including new knowledge of the microbiome, manipulation of the environment and physical treatments. Given the complexity of fruit decay and pathogen resistance processes, a combination of treatments is likely to be the best solution. For instance, combining physical treatments like UV-C exposure with biological priming or chemical agents could result in synergistic effects that enhance resistance more effectively than any single treatment alone.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina