Different packages on the protection against pests of persimmon fruits

Abstract

The persimmon culture can be attacked by several pests and diseases, however, there are few studies related to the control. In addition, there is a lack of pesticides registered in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA, in Portuguese “Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento”), emerging the fruit bagging as an alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate different kinds of protective packs for bagging persimmon fruits, in order to control pests and diseases and, consequently, improve the fruit quality. The experiment was conducted in a persimmon orchard on the experimental station of the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), located in the Tuiuty District, in Bento Gonçalves, RS. Were performed four treatments: control (not bagged fruits), perforated polypropylene packaging, white TNT (non woven tissue) packing, and kraft brown paper packing. The harvested fruits were evaluated for weight, symptoms of caterpillars damage, presence of mealybug (Pseudococcus sp.) and symptoms of Schyzothyrium pomi. The fluctuation population of Anastrepha fraterculus was performed using McPhail trap with hydrolyzed protein. Among the treatments, only the fruits protected with perforated polypropylene differ significantly from the control on the evaluations of weight and Schyzothyrium pomi symptoms. However, there was no significant difference on the damage caused by caterpillars and presence of mealybugs. The use of perforated polypropylene has demonstrated efficiency on the control of Anastrepha fraterculus, and it can be used to reduce the damage in the fruits.