Decco, a global company in postharvest protection solutions for fruits and vegetables, has expanded its portfolio by securing the registration of azoxystrobin in Spain for use in citrus postharvest, under the name Decco Zox. This marks the first and only such registration in Europe. The introduction of azoxystrobin is aimed at extending the shelf life of citrus fruits and minimizing food losses, thereby fostering sustainable practices across the supply chain.
Azoxystrobin is esteemed for its capacity to shield against post-harvest pathogens, thereby playing a crucial role in prolonging the shelf life of citrus by curtailing losses from diseases and ensuring maintained quality during storage and transport phases.
The European citrus sector is navigating through several challenges, such as the escalating demands of international markets, the imperative to control post-harvest diseases, and the push toward sustainable solutions. Decco 's launch of Decco Zox for post-harvest applications provides an innovative and efficacious strategy to address these industry demands.
Julio Marin, Business Manager of Decco Ibérica, stated, "We are proud to lead with solutions that not only protect products but also combat food waste and promote sustainability."
Azoxystrobin belongs to the strobilurin family of fungicides, known for its broad-spectrum efficacy against pathogenic fungi affecting fruits and vegetables. It operates by hampering the mitochondrial respiration in fungi, thus disrupting their lifecycle and thwarting disease development that could affect the quality and safety of agricultural commodities.
The introduction of Decco Zox in postharvest disease control management is pivotal for several reasons. It offers a unique mode of action that inhibits fungal respiration, effectively managing resistance and slowing down fungal development. It boasts broad-spectrum control against various postharvest pathogens, ensuring the freshness of fruits. Additionally, Decco Zox provides durable protection, maintaining the freshness and quality of citrus fruits during storage and transport, including over long distances. Its compatibility with other fungicides allows for enhanced disease control through synergistic effects and mode of action diversification. Moreover, it aids in preserving the fruit's appearance, quality, and commercial value, thereby optimizing return on investment by minimizing postharvest disease losses and maximizing the marketable yield of citrus fruits.
Source: Decco