Soft rot disease is a major postharvest disease of apples, caused by several fungal pathogens, most commonly Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium expansum. These fungi can infect apples through wounds or injuries that occur during harvesting, handling, storage, or transport. Soft rot disease can cause significant economic losses for apple growers and retailers. Infected apples are unmarketable and unfit for consumption. The disease can also spread to healthy apples in storage, leading to further losses.
Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
Temperature: Most soft rot pathogens thrive in warm weather, typically between 20°C and 30°C. Warmer temperatures accelerate fungal growth and spore production, further increasing the risk of infection.
Humidity: Fungal pathogens require a moist environment for growth and spore dispersal. High humidity levels (above 90%) in orchards or storage facilities create a favorable environment for the growth of these fungi, increasing the risk of soft rot infection.
Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
Measures to control Pests/Diseases:
| Products | Technical Name | Dosage |
| Coc 50 | Copper oxychloride 50 % wp | 2gm/ltr |
| Tyson | Trichoderma Viride | 1 – 2KG of Katyayani Trichoderma Viride |
| Azozole | Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + difenoconazole 11.4 % SC | 150-200 ml per Acre |
