Cytogenetical and Physical Parameters for Using Some Food Additives and Salts to Control Anthracnose Disease on Color Sweet Pepper (<em>Capsicum annum</em> L.)

Author : Maha S. A. Haridy; Seham S. Ragab and Thauria M. M. Abo Elwafa

Using potassium sorbate, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and calcium chloride as pre-harvest treatments to control Anthracnose disease which reflects the infection of Canon 58 (cv) color sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The treatments with   Potassium sorbate and Citric acid extending the duration of storage to four weeks at 10°C and reduced disease incidence and disease severity of artificial infection in two seasons by (33.3%) and (13.3%) respectively, compared to control which recorded (100%) for disease incidence in two seasons, and for disease severity recorded (80%) in first season and (60%) in second season. While the physical parameters or quality of sweet peppers which treated with food additives and salts was preserved better than the control. Potassium sorbate, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and calcium chloride treatments reduced weight loss (%), and increased total soluble solids (TSS) content and fruit firmness compared to control for natural and artificial infection in two seasons during storage periods at 10°C. Additionally, cytogenetical parameter via cells division were examined and screening the percentage of abnormal pollen mother cells (PMCs) or chromosomal aberrations in PMCs and pollen grains (n and 2n) fertile and sterile were recorded. Although the results appeared few percentage of abnormality in some treatments but must not ignore it, while fungicide which used as a monitoring control has more mutagenic effects than other treatments.

Keywords : Food additives, salts, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, cytogenetic, chromosomal abnormality, Pollen grains,

Received:12/9/2023 12:00:00 AM; Accepted: 1/10/2024 12:00:00 AM