This section of the Guide has changed significantly since the first edition was produced in 2001. At that time, a number of fungicides were registered for use on apples as a post-harvest dip or drench.
There are currently no fungicides registered in the UK for post-harvest application to apples.
Several factors have contributed to this situation. The main factor has been public concern over the use of pesticides and chemical residues in food at the time of consumption. Clearly the general public does not appreciate the concept of MRLs and wants no detectable pesticide on the food when it is eaten.
A second important factor has been the realisation that the application of fungicides to apples after harvest has only a limited effect in reducing fungal spoilage. More effective control of rots can be achieved by chemical intervention in the orchard to prevent initial infections and much can be done with a non-chemical approach. Other factors of concern about post-harvest fungicide use include the problems associated with disposal of drench solutions.
Information on the post-harvest application of fungicides is no longer relevant since there are no products approved for this use in the UK.
In addition to fungicide dips and drenches, this section of the guide provided guidance on the post-harvest applications of calcium products to apples in a similar dip or drench method. However, this too is no longer practiced in the industry and no calcium products appear to have recommendations for this type of application any longer.
There is an increasing use of biological agents to control disease and in future, it is possible that these may be used as post-harvest application. The information below has therefore been retained in this section should further approvals be released for any form of post-harvest application.