Effect of salicylic acid, calcium and boron on gray mould rot (Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr.) of Strawberry

Treatment with mineral nutrients like calcium, boron and bio-regulator, salicylic acid was observed to delay fruit senescence and fungal decay of strawberry. Among the different postharvest treatments, application of salicylic acid @ 400 mgl−1 was found the most suitable in respect of increased soluble solid content and overall fruit quality and decreased fruit infection, followed by Ca-EDTA @ 1000mgl−1 and boric acid @ 0.2%. While the maximum fruit decay was noted in untreated control. Salicylic acid, a natural and safe phenolic compound, may be considered for its wide application in controlling postharvest losses of strawberry fruits.