Potential applications of pomegranate peel extract for the control of citrus green mould

The novelty of applying pomegranate peel extract (PPE) as an alternative, reduced-risk antifungal agent for controlling citrus green mould invasion was investigated. Preliminary results indicated that the most potent antifungal PPEs against Penicillium digitatum isolates were those extracted with methanol, ethanol and water, respectively, using both agar diffusion assay and broth microdilution susceptibility test as qualitative and quantitative tests. Aerosolization with PPE confirmed its effectiveness as antifungal sanitizing agent against P. digitatum. In vivo prevention and control of P. digitatum invading harvested citrus fruit was successfully applied by immersing wounded fruit in PPE solutions. Therefore, we could recommend PPE application for the full control of citrus green mould via sanitation of storage rooms and treatment of harvested fruit.