ABSTRACT
The major-post harvest rots of citrus fruits in Greece are caused by Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum and Phytophthora spp.. Penicillium species invade the fruit through wounds. Great efforts are made to minimze skin injuries on the fruit during harvesting and processing. Post-harvest treatments with thiabendazole, methylthiophanate, sodium orthophenylphenate and biphenyl are used in packinghouses. To be effective, fungicides must be applied promptly after harvest. Resistant strains to fungicides in use were detected but are still in low percentage in packinghouses and orchards. Sanitation measures are essential to reduce the inoculum of Penicillium spp. Low temperature during storage and transit retards the development of decay. Phytophthora citophthora and P. syringae are the main species causing brown rot in Greece. The disease is effectively controlled by one spray in the orchard in autumn with a copper fungicide. Pruning up the trees to avoid infections is not practical. Fruit with incepient infections of P. citrophthora may develop decay and be discarded at inspection if they are degreened for more than two days. Metalaxyl as a post harvest dip delated and reduced the decay. Its effect was better if applied at 45 C.
