TARIM BILIMLERI DERGISI-JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, vol.13, no.4, pp.413-419, 2007 (SCI-Expanded)
A heavy reliance on synthetic fungicides has been necessary to control postharvest decay of produce, which results in about a 25% loss of fruit and vegetables in the developed countries. These losses can exceed 50% in developing countries. Fungicide residues have been found to pose a potential health threat to the consumer, and particularly to children. Because of this problem, researchers have attempted to fid alternatives to chemical pesticides for controlling postharvest diseases of horticultural products. Among the alternative methods used for controlling decay, ultraviolet-C irradiation (UV-C, 200-280 nm wavelength) offers interesting possibilities. UV treatment, especially with radiation at 254 nm, can cause weak stres responses, often associated with the phenomenon of inducible pathogen resistance.