Suppression of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Watery Soft Rot of Celery by Controlled Atmosphere Storage. Andres A. Reyes, Research Scientist, Agriculture Canada Research Station, Vineland Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 2E0. . Plant Dis. 72:790-792. Accepted for publication 26 April 1988. Copyright 1988 Department of Agriculture, Government of Canada. DOI: 10.1094/PD-72-0790.

At 1 C, the growth in vitro of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on celery extract agar was most suppressed in a storage atmosphere containing 7.5% CO + 1.5% O₂, but only slightly suppressed in 4% CO₂ + 1.5% O₂ or in 1.5% O₂ alone, compared with normal air. Watery soft rot caused by this fungus was severe on celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) stored in normal air for 2 wk at 8 C. A comparable severity took 10 wk to develop at 1 C. At 8 C the suppression of this disease was greatest in atmospheres of 7.5–30% CO + 1.5% O₂, but only slightly reduced in 4–16% CO₂ + 1.5% O₂ or in 1.5–6% O₂ alone.