Fungitoxicity profile of Cladosporium cladosporioides C1, as a leveraging tool for postharvest management of grapes

Cladosporium sp. causes berry rot in grape. It is present in the vineyard throughout the berry developmental stage in dormant state. Since there is no recommended fungicide against Cladosporium , there is a significant concern about already available fungicides against different grape pathogens, the most effective time for application of these fungicides and their role in suppressing the growth of Cladosporium . The present study is the first report of a fungitoxicity study of C. cladosporioides with all the labelled fungicide for grape pathogen. The molecular sequencing study confirmed the identity of the fungus used in the study as C . cladosporioides . Fungitoxicity results showed that 65% of the fungicides recommended for grape farming, ranged from very toxic to toxic and 35% of the fungicides were moderately toxic to compatible category against C. cladosporioides . Fungicides used in the later stage of flowering and just before fruiting are Cyflufenamid 5% EW and Metrafenone 50% SC. Sulphur 80 WP (L), Cyflufenamid 5% EW and Metrafenone 50% SC did not affect C. cladosporioides activated at this stage. The data obtained on fungitoxicity will assess the effectiveness of pesticide management program and to develop a new strategy for control of C. cladosporioides in vineyard and prevent its onset at a later stage.