Vol. 8, Issue 8, Part P (2024)

Abstract: Papaya (Carica papaya L.), a crucial tropical fruit rich in vitamin A, faces significant post-harvest losses due to anthracnose, a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This study investigates the biochemical changes in papaya fruits infected by C. gloeosporioides and explores eco-friendly management strategies to mitigate these losses. Biochemical analysis revealed a reduction in total sugar (18.26%), reducing sugar (34.00%), non-reducing sugar (4.91%), phenol content (40.38%), and titratable acidity (50.74%) in anthracnose-infected fruits compared to healthy ones, highlighting the detrimental impact of the disease on fruit quality. The study also evaluated the effectiveness of neem and karanj leaf extracts (10%) in controlling anthracnose. These treatments significantly reduced disease incidence to 16.66% and extended the shelf life of papaya fruits to 12.67 days, demonstrating their potential as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides. This research underscores the importance of integrating biochemical analysis with sustainable disease management practices to enhance the quality and shelf life of papaya fruits. The findings contribute to developing practical strategies for reducing post-harvest losses and improving the marketability of papaya, thereby supporting farmers and the fruit industry.