Ozone Applications in the Post-Harvest of Papaya (Carica papaya L.): An Alternative to Amistar Fungicide

The objective of this article was to evaluate ozone applications in the post-harvest of papaya (Carica papaya L) as an alternative to Amistar fungicide, taking into account the effect on the control of fungal pathogens growth, shelf-life, seed germination percentage and soluble solids content. Ozone doses were applied in vitro to strains of seven fungi species, which cause rot of papaya. Papayas cv. Maradol-red were harvested and treated with gaseous ozone (500 mg m(-3)), ozone-containing water (1 mg L-1) and a solution of Amistar fungicide (0.1 ml L-1). They were stored for 10 days. Washing with ozone-containing water was found to be the most favorable alternative. The ozone use showed a delay in fruit ripening. The effect on seed germination percentage and soluble solids content was not significant. A methodology for ozone use in the post-harvest phase was proposed.