Citrosol
Phytosanitaries
Citrosol presents green chemistry treatments and automatic citrus control with CATSystem® in Peru
The Valencian company took part with two presentations on postharvest treatments and pathogens, delivered by Citrosol’s R&D Manager, Daniel Tormo
Citrosol participated in the XII International Citrus Seminar held on April 23 and 24 in Lima (Peru), organized by the Association of Citrus Producers of Peru (PROCITRUS).
The seminar featured renowned international experts such as Wayne Prowse from Fresh Intelligence (Australia), who addressed the current economic context, future scenarios, and the new Chancay Route; Paco Borrás, an independent consultant (Spain), who analyzed the European market as a key destination; and Zak Laffite, CEO of Wonderful Citrus (USA), who presented opportunities and challenges in the United States.
In the postharvest field, the seminar also included Dr. Alejandra Salvador (IVIA – Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research, Spain), a researcher with more than 20 years of experience in citrus and fruit postharvest studies, who delivered a presentation titled: “Main postharvest disorders in citrus: degreening, cold storage, and the new climate scenario.”
Citrosol presentations
Citrosol also took part with two presentations, delivered by Daniel Tormo, R&D Manager at the company.
The first, entitled "Green Chemistry Postharvest Treatments for the Control of the Main Fungal Diseases in Citrus: A Commercial Requirement or a Strategic Opportunity?", presented the different solutions developed by Citrosol in this field, as well as results from the Biocare treatment lines, which include organically certified solutions. Within this range, innovative treatments were presented that make it possible to achieve rot control levels of over 90%, with sustained efficacy over time, helping "chem free" fruit reach distant markets with fewer losses.
In addition, other green chemistry treatments developed by Citrosol to respond to new market demands were presented, such as Greenfog-AS, an antifungal fumigation treatment especially suitable for citrus packinghouses; and the Plantseal® range of coatings, organically certified coatings with the vegan V-label seal, offering excellent control of weight loss, far superior to other conventional coatings. PlantSeal® achieves a reduction in weight loss of over 50%, resulting in greater fruit firmness on arrival and less softening and deformation of the fruit compared to fruit protected with conventional waxes.
The second presentation, entitled "Postharvest Pathogens and Physiological Disorders in Citrus: Types of Staining, Symptoms, Causes and Action Strategies in Packinghouses to Minimize Their Incidence", addressed the main fungal diseases found in citrus and how to deal with them in the packinghouse. In this context, Daniel Tormo focused on the first drencher treatment and how to carry it out successfully in order to avoid the emergence of resistance and possible rot-related claims. To this end, results from real cases of the Catsystem® were presented, a system developed by Citrosol that keeps fungicide concentrations constant by carrying out in situ and real-time analyses and corrections of the treatment solution, thereby ensuring total rot control and a more rational use of fungicides and other drencher inputs. This unique system on the market will mark a turning point for Peruvian exporters, as it will enable them to reach the most distant markets without claims at destination.
Finally, the different physiological disorders that commonly occur in citrus postharvest were reviewed, including chilling injuries. Regarding this type of cold damage, results were presented for the coatings in the CIC range (Chilling Injury Control), which showed excellent control of these stains in prolonged refrigerated shipments to overseas destinations. These coatings are specifically formulated to control stains resulting from chilling injury, achieving control levels very similar to those obtained with synthetic fungicides usually added to wax for this purpose. In this way, they make it possible to meet the requirements of supermarkets demanding "low chem" strategies.
Among the fungal diseases commonly found in Peruvian citrus production, the issue of the fungus Cladosporium sp. was, of course, also addressed. In this regard, the disease was reviewed, along with the different strategies for its postharvest control, and updated results were presented from the disease monitoring that Citrosol has been carrying out in the country since 2020.
About Citrosol
Although founded in 1984 as Productos Citrosol, S.A., its activity in postharvest treatments and technology dates back to the 1960s within Electroquímica del Serpis, S.A., both based in Potries (Valencia, Spain). Following significant organic growth over the past 15 years, Citrosol currently employs 136 people, with 12 working abroad in subsidiaries in South Africa, Peru, and Uruguay, as well as staff in Egypt. At its Potries facilities, the company operates an R&D laboratory and a pilot plant of more than 1,200 m². Its growth has largely been driven by a strong focus on innovation, earning awards such as the CEPYME Innovation Award in 2015 and 2020 and the Valencia Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award in 2020.
Originally specializing in postharvest treatments and technology for citrus, Citrosol has spent more than 15 years developing solutions to extend the commercial life of avocados, peppers, tomatoes, peeled garlic, and other fruits and vegetables. Currently, the company is introducing its IV range solution, the Citrocide® Fresh-Cut System, which significantly reduces water and carbon footprints in fresh-cut fruit and vegetable production. Through its treatments and technologies, Citrosol plays a key role in reducing food losses and waste in fresh produce.
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