In a significant stride toward safeguarding Malaysia’s pineapple industry, a recent study has shed light on the troubling black rot disease that plagues the popular MD2 pineapple variety. Conducted by Manori Kuruppu from the Laboratory of Sustainable Agronomy and Crop Protection at the Institute of Plantation Studies, University Putra Malaysia, the research dives deep into the pathogens responsible for this postharvest menace, which has been a thorn in the side of producers, leading to substantial economic losses.
Black rot, primarily instigated by the pathogen Thielaviopsis paradoxa, has been identified as a formidable foe for pineapple growers, with the study revealing a 50% occurrence rate at one cultivation site and 45% at another. “Understanding the pathogens that affect our crops is crucial for developing effective management strategies,” Kuruppu emphasized, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. The implications of this research extend far beyond the lab, potentially reshaping practices in the field and influencing how growers approach harvest and storage.
The study not only pinpointed the primary pathogen but also scrutinized the critical factors that exacerbate black rot development. For instance, fruits stored at ambient temperatures with a maturity index of 2 exhibited a marked increase in disease progression compared to those kept in cold storage. This finding underscores the importance of temperature control and timing in postharvest handling, which could be the difference between a thriving market presence and significant financial losses.
Moreover, the research unveiled a concerning correlation between fruit pH and disease severity. As the pH levels increased, so did the lesion lengths and infected areas, suggesting that growers may need to monitor and manage soil and fruit conditions more closely to mitigate risks. “The relationship between harvesting index and the proportion of infected area is a critical insight for producers,” Kuruppu noted, pointing to the potential for improved harvest timing to reduce losses.
With the telomorph state of T. paradoxa lingering in the soil and decaying plant material, the risk of cross-contamination looms large. This persistence calls for immediate action from growers and agricultural stakeholders to implement robust disease management protocols.
As Malaysia continues to position itself among the world’s leading pineapple producers, understanding the intricacies of black rot disease could be pivotal. The findings, published in ‘Frontiers in Microbiology’, not only provide a clearer picture of the pathogens at play but also offer a roadmap for future research and agricultural practices. By addressing these challenges head-on, the Malaysian pineapple industry can enhance its resilience, ensuring that the MD2 variety remains a staple in both local and international markets.