Fruits of coconut (Cocos nucifera) cultivated in Brazil for coconut milk consumption are highly susceptible to attack by the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Infection occurs still in the field as the pathogen remains quiescent in the plant. This study was undertaken to test several processing methods in order to avoid fruit deterioration. Fruits collected from a plantation with a record of severe disease outbreaks were cut at the basal region and treated with emulsions prepared from palm wax, alone and with fungicides. Fruits were cut 1.5 cm deep from the insertion point by using a cut machine developed for this task. fruits were placed in a paper box, and kept in a cool chamber at +12ºC for 30 to 35 days, depending upon the treatment. Evaluations were carried out every 2 days. The cutting process successfully eliminated the fungus from the fruit tissues. In addition, emulsion EF-1 exhibited an excellent protection against chilling damage as well as against opportunistic fungi. The association cut of basal section + emulsion + fungicide was the best alternative for controlling the disease.
Cocos nucifera; coconuts; postharvest; disease; Lasiodiplodia theobromae
