Change of Epicuticular Waxes by Formulation of Fungicides in 'Campbell Early' Grapes

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of formulation of fungicides on epicuticular waxes in 'Campbell Early' grapes. Non-bagged and bagged berries were treated with wettable powder, suspension concentrate and emulsifiable concentrate 15 days after full bloom (DAFB) and 48 DAFB (veraison), respectively. Fruit skin was observed by naked eye and scanning electron microscope (SEM) at harvest. Remarkable white blots were observed on the berries treated 48 DAFB in the order of wettable powder, suspension concentrate, and emulsifiable concentrate. The observation by SEM showed all formulations of fungicides damaged the ultra-structure of epicuticular waxes; also, an unknown substance was observed on treatment with wettable powder and suspension concentrate. Moreover epicuticular wax appeared to be melting on the grapes treated with emulsifiable concentrate. Also, non-bagged grapes showed serious contamination of epicuticular wax by some unknown substance, but bagged grapes had only fungicides' traces.