Influence of Cold-storage Temperatures on Strawberry Rot Caused by Botrytis cinerea

Thirteen fungal isolates from rotten strawberry fruits were collected from fields of Sharkia Governorate. The most frequent one was Botrytis cinerea. The susceptibility of Camarosa, Chandler, Kelia, and Sweet Charlie cultivars by B. cinerea showed that the Camarosa cultivar had the least incidence of total decay percentage at delayed cooling (4 h after inoculation), prompt cooling (1 h after inoculation), and accounted for 66.66% and 40.00% respectively. Other cultivars showed higher incidence of decay. The same pattern was observed in the severity of infection test. Prompt cooling was important for minimizing post postharvest decay of strawberries for both inoculated and non-inoculated fruits. Incidence and severity of decay were evaluated after storage for 7 d at 2˚C plus a simulated retail display period of 1 d at room temperature (20˚C).