Thiabendazole and imazalil applied at 53C reduce chilling injury and decay of grapefruit

The fungicides thiabendazole (TBZ) or imazalil were applied at 1 g·liter -1 at 24 or 53C to 'Marsh' and 'Redblush' grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) to reduce fruit susceptibility to chilling injury (CI) and decay. Generally, there was more CI and decay on 'Marsh' grapefruit than on 'Redblush'. Severity of CI was lower in grapefruit that had been dipped at 53C than at 24C. Fruit dipped in fungicides had less CI than fruit dipped in water alone. Imazalil was more effective in reducing CI than TBZ. Fungicides reduced decay at both temperatures, and imazalil was better than TBZ. Chemical names used: 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole (thiabendazole, TBZ); 1-(2-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-2-(2-propenyloxy)ethyl) -1H -imidazole (imazalil).