Physical and chemical systems for the Control of Botrytis cinerea Rot in Kiwifruit and removal of the chemical residues from the fruit.

The efficacy of the Fenhexamid and Boscalid, fungicides registered for use in Italy, against grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea on postharvest kiwifruits was investigated. Thisstudy also evaluated the effectiveness of some sanitation methods to reduce the amount of fungicide residues on kiwifruit. Degradation time and co-adjuvant effect of some physical or chemical treatments, such as brushing, washing with water, washing with HCL (1%) or Na2SiO3 (6%), and peeling, was tested for each fungicide. Bothfungicides significantly reduced the rate of B.cinerea rot. During conservation at 0°C residues declined more slowlyin the first 45 days. Results indicate that use of mechanical brushung and Na2SiO3 significantly reduce the level of residues of Fenhexamid and Boscalid on kiwifruit peel.