Effects of the Nonionic Surfactant Ag-98 on Three Decay Fungi of Anjou Pear. R. A. Spotts, Associate Professor, Oregon State University, Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Hood River 97031. L. A. Cervantes, Experimental Biology Technician, Oregon State University, Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Hood River 97031. Plant Dis. 71:240-242. Accepted for publication 14 October 1986. Copyright 1987 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-71-0240.

In potato-dextrose agar (PDA), the nonionic surfactant Ag-98 inhibited spore germination, germ tube growth, and mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea, Mucor piriformis, and Penicillium expansum, but germination of conidia suspended in aqueous solutions of Ag-98 was not affected after conidia were removed from the Ag-98, washed, and transferred to PDA. Control of decay in both laboratory and packinghouse was greater when Ag-98 was combined with chlorine than when chlorine was used alone. The fungistatic and antifoaming properties of Ag-98 make it suitable for commercial use for addition to chlorine to control decay of pear fruits.