The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of chitosan in addition to de-astringency process on the control of Rhizopus stolonifer in 'Rama Forte' persimmon and on in vitro mycelial growth. Persimmon were submitted to de-astringency process using CO2 (70% / 18 h), in hermetic chambers. Next, fruit were inoculated through subcuticular injections of a R. stolonifer spore suspension (3x10(5) spore mL-1) and 2 hours later at 25 °C immersed into chitosan (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%), for 1 min. Fruit were stored at 25 °C / 80% RH, and checked for rot severity and incidence of soft rot, during 5-days of storage. After storage the skin color, firmness and astringency index were evaluated in persimmons. In vitro, mycelial growth was evaluated on PDA media emended with chitosan or citric acid. Chitosan 1.5% reduces severity and soft rot incidence and does not influence the astringency loss, firmness and skin color. In vitro, chitosan at concentration completely inhibited the R. stolonifer mycelial growth at concentration < 0.5%.
Diospyrus kaki; Rhizopus stolonifer; alternative control; modified atmosphere
