Fruit and Vegetable Storage Problems

To prevent the spreading of disease, check fruit and vegetable storage areas regularly and dispose of any affected. Most fungi enter in wounds, but some spread by contact; handle produce carefully and keep fruits apart from each other.

Brown rot	Attacks apples and pears on trees and in storage, spreading easily by contact. Brown patches develop with rings of pale pustules, or fruit can turn completely black.
Grey mould	Affects fruit, carrots and squashes, especially in overcrowded, badly ventilated stores. The fungus forms a fluffy grey mould, releasing clouds of spores.
Bacterial soft rot	Common on root crops and onions. Soil-dwelling bacteria enter via wounds, initially causing badly smelling lesions, and can rot the entire inside leaving just the skin.
Onion neck rot	A Fungus developing after 10 weeks storage. Outer scales soften and the neck browns.
Potato dry rot	Causes dark brown lesions and discoloured, mouldy flesh. Spores of the fungus are carries on adhering soil and enter wounded tubers in too-warm storage areas.

If you require any more information on fruit and vegetable storage problems or if you have any other gardening problems please contact us.