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 contributed with two presentations delivered by Daniel Tormo, the company’s R&D Manager.
The first, titled “Green Chemistry Postharvest Treatments for the Control of Major Fungal Diseases in Citrus: Commercial Requirement or Strategic Opportunity?”, showcased Citrosol’s solutions in this field. Results from the Biocare treatment line were presented, including organically certified solutions. Within this range, innovative treatments were highlighted that achieve decay control levels above 90% with sustained effectiveness over time, enabling “chem-free” fruit to reach distant markets with reduced losses.
Additional green chemistry solutions were also presented, such as Greenfog-AS, an antifungal fumigation treatment particularly suited for citrus packinghouses, and the Plantseal® coating range, which carries organic certification and the vegan V-label seal. These coatings provide excellent control of weight loss, significantly outperforming conventional coatings. Plantseal® can reduce weight loss by more than 50%, resulting in firmer fruit upon arrival and less softening and deformation compared to fruit treated with traditional waxes.
The second presentation, titled “Postharvest Pathogens and Physiological Disorders in Citrus: Types of Rind Staining, Symptoms, Causes, and Strategies to Minimize Their Incidence in Packinghouses,” addressed the main fungal diseases affecting citrus and how to manage them during packing operations. Particular emphasis was placed on the initial drencher treatment and how to apply it effectively to prevent resistance and potential decay-related claims.
To support this, real case results of the CATSystem® were presented. This system, developed by Citrosol, maintains constant fungicide concentrations by performing in situ, real-time analysis and corrections of the treatment solution, ensuring full decay control while optimizing the use of fungicides and other drencher inputs. This unique system is expected to be a game changer for Peruvian exporters, enabling them to reach distant markets without claims at destination.
Finally, common physiological disorders in citrus postharvest were reviewed, including chilling injury. Results from the CIC (Chilling Injury Control) coating range demonstrated excellent effectiveness in controlling rind damage during long refrigerated shipments to overseas markets. These coatings are specifically formulated to manage chilling-related disorders, achieving control levels comparable to synthetic fungicides typically added to waxes, while meeting supermarket requirements for “low-chem” strategies.
Among the fungal diseases commonly affecting Peruvian citrus production, the issue of Cladosporium sp. was also addressed. A review of the disease, its control strategies in postharvest, and updated monitoring data collected by Citrosol in the country since 2020 were presented.
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.
