Response of ‘Prata anã’ banana to post-harvest phosphite application

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine the best phosphite source and concentration to control anthracnose and its effects on the physical and chemical characteristics of ‘Prata-anã’ banana. Bouquets of banana fruits were immersed in solutions containing different formulations of copper phosphite FCu1 (4% Cu + 20% P2O5), FCu2 (4% Cu + 22% P2O5) at concentrations of 0.5; 1.0, 1.5- and 2.0-mL L-1 and potassium phosphite FK (42% P2O5 + 27.7% K2O) at concentrations of 0.5; 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg L-1. Controls consisted of the application of pure water and Imazalil application (0.5 mL. L-1). Subsequently, anthracnose incidence and severity were evaluated every three days. The physical and chemical characteristics of fruits were evaluated at the end of the anthracnose intensity evaluation. The experimental design used was completely randomized. The results showed that the different phosphite sources FCu1, FCu2 and FK at the concentrations tested were not effective in controlling anthracnose. The physical and chemical characteristics of fruits were influenced by the different phosphite sources and concentrations applied. Fresh fruit mass loss is proportional to the applied phosphite concentration.