Use of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors for extending shelf life of fruits and vegetables

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of succinate dehydrogenase Inhibitors for extending shelf life and storage stability of fruits and vegetables, to a method for extending shelf life of fruits and vegetables by applying a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor to the crops prior to the harvest of the fruits or vegetables and to a fruit or vegetable treated with a succinate dehydrogenase Inhibitor.

1 . A method for extending shelf life of a fruit and/or vegetable comprising applying a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor to a crop and/or a fruit and/or vegetable thereof prior to harvest of said fruit or vegetable. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of fluopyram, isopyrazam, boscalid, penthiopyrad, N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbox amide, sedaxane, fluxapyraxad and bixafen. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor is fluopyram. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the fruit is selected from the group consisting of banana, blackcurrant, redcurrant, gooseberry, tomato, eggplant, guava, lucuma, chili pepper, pomegranate, kiwifruit, grape, table grapepumpkin, gourd, cucumber, melon, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, banana, cranberry, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, boysenberry, hedge apple, pineapple, fig, mulberry, apple, apricot, peach, cherry, sunflower seed, strawberry and plum. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the vegetable is selected from the group consisting of broccoli, green bean, lettuce, cauliflower, globe artichokes, sweetcorn, maize, kale, collard greens, spinach, beet greens, turnip greens, endive; leeks, Brussels sprouts, celery, rhubarb, asparagus, ginger; potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potato, yam bean sprouts, carrots, parsnips, beets, radishes, turnips, onions, garlic, and shallots. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the fruit is strawberries. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor is applied to the crop and/or fruit and/or vegetable at a rate ranging from 1 to 250 g/ha—based upon the pure a.s. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , comprising applying a composition comprising a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor and a further fungicide to the crop and/or to a fruit and/or vegetable thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the composition comprises fluopyram and trifloxystrobin. 
     
     
         10 . Method according to  claim 8 , wherein the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor is s selected from the group consisting of fluopyram, isopyrazam, boscalid, penthiopyrad, N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbox amide, sedaxan, fluxapyraxad and bixafen. 
     
     
         11 . A composition capable of extending the shelf life of a fruit and/or vegetable, said composition comprising a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor and a further fungicide. 
     
     
         12 . A composition of  claim 11 , wherein said succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of fluopyram, isopyrazam, boscalid, penthiopyrad, N-[2-(1,3-dimethyl-butyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbox amide, sedaxan, fluxapyraxad and bixafen. 
     
     
         13 . A composition of  claim 11 , wherein said further fungicide comprises trifloxystrobin. 
     
     
         14 . A composition of  claim 11 , wherein the composition comprises fluopyram and trifloxystrobin. 
     
     
         15 . A composition of  claim 11 , wherein the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor comprises fluopyram.