Comparison of Hot-Water Spray and Immersion Treatments for Control of Postharvest Decay of Papaya. H. M. Couey, Research Plant Physiologist, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hilo, HI 96720. A. M. Alvarez, Associate Plant Pathologist, and M. G. Nelson, Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu 96822. Plant Dis. 68:436-437. Accepted for publication 14 December 1983. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1984. DOI: 10.1094/PD-68-436.

An experimental hot-water spray treatment (54 C) for 3 min was as effective as the commercial immersion treatment (48 C) for 20 min in controlling postharvest diseases of papaya fruits. The treatments were evaluated after simulated transit periods of 7 and 14 days at 10 C. Stem-end rots and anthracnose were controlled adequately both by spray and immersion treatments. A post-heat-treatment application of thiabendazole further reduced disease incidence both in sprayed and immersed fruits.