Decco Ibérica is the only company that currently has a permanently registered product for persimmon post-harvest.
The shelf life of the persimmon may be extended from 3 to 5 months with the correct conditions occurring in a controlled atmosphere. Therefore, it is necessary to meet the following requirements: fruit that is free from spots and pests, keeping the fruit at a stable temperature between 0-1ºC, obtaining between 90 and 95% humidity levels in the chambers, oxygen levels of between 3 and 5%, carbon dioxide levels of between 5 and 8%, the atmosphere of the cold room must be free from ethylene, the fruit must be firmer than 4.5 Kg/cm3 and the soluble solids between 17 and 200 Brix.
In addition to a correct storage, factors such as the transport and distribution also have a direct influence on persimmon shelf life.
Persimmon post-harvest: the most common problems
During the persimmon’s post-harvest, the main problems that occur are usually as follows:
Damage due to incorrect storage temperature: Temperatures above 5ºC will cause the skin to soften and scalding of the fruit’s flesh.
Damage due to low oxygen levels: exposing persimmons to oxygen levels below 3% can generate ripening problems and loss of flavour.
Damage due to high carbon levels: carbon levels above 10% cause scalding and loss of flavour.
Persimmon post-harvest diseases
Alternaria alternata is the most dangerous disease that can occur in the post-harvest period for persimmons. It is caused by the fungus of the same name that develops its activity in dead organic matter, such as leaves, shoots and adventitious plants.
Infection by Alternaria alternata induces the cellular collapse of the fruit, blackening the intercellular spaces. However, these symptoms remain inactive and not visible on fruit that is still unripe.
Once the fruit has ripened and it has been harvested, there is a decrease in the anti-fungal compounds that are found in the persimmon’s epidermis, which generates a faster development of the fungus and the appearance of the first symptoms. Added to this, if the physiological condition of the persimmon is weak (soft or dehydrated fruit), the progression of the disease will be much more noticeable.
Factors such as rain, high humidity, excess watering or incorrect fertilising can also encourage the proliferation of this disease.
Decco products
Decco Ibérica markets DECCOPYR POT, a fungicide for persimmon post-harvest authorised by the MAPA for controlling Alternaria alternata (Register No. ES-00186).
DeccopyrPot is formulated using a base of pyrimethanil and it has a fungicide action. It is presented in a smoke pot and it is registered, in addition to its use on persimmons, for all the species of stone and pip fruit. It is effective against a broad spectrum of diseases, particularly against Alternaria alternata, and it also has a preventive and curative action, as it reduces the germination of spores, it inhibits the extension of the germ line tube and it prevents the expansion of the injury due to the blockage of the lytic function of hyphae infection.
Apart from DeccopyrPot, Decco Ibérica also has another treatment for persimmons that is suitable for use in the fields. This is Deccoscreen, a leaf fertiliser with Calcium Carbonate at 60% used to correct calcium deficiencies. This product forms a thin film of particles on the plant that allows better absorption of the treatment. The calcium also induces mechanical resistance in the plant against abiotic factors and it acts as an osmo-protector and it protects against sun exposure.
The combination of both solutions makes this the perfect treatment to ensure a successful persimmon harvest, as well as good maintenance during the shelf life.
