Question:

Which of the following pathogens causes soft rot in papaya?

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Remember papaya postharvest diseases:
- Bacterial rot = Soft rot (mushy, foul smell)
- Anthracnose = Sunken, circular lesions
- Stem-end rot = Blackening at stem end
- Alternaria rot = Brown spots
Preventive measures: Proper handling, hygiene, and fungicide treatment.
  • Anthracnose
  • Stem-end rot
  • Bacterial rot
  • Alternaria rot
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of postharvest diseases of papaya.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Bacterial rot (soft rot) is caused by bacteria such as Erwinia or Pseudomonas.
It causes:
- Water-soaked, soft, mushy lesions on fruit.
- Rapid deterioration of the fruit.
- Characteristic foul odor.
- Fruit collapses completely.
Other diseases of papaya:
- Anthracnose (A): Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides; circular sunken lesions.
- Stem-end rot (B): Caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae; blackening of stem end.
- Alternaria rot (D): Caused by Alternaria alternata; brown spots on fruit.
Soft rot is specifically associated with bacterial infection.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Thus, bacterial rot causes soft rot in papaya, which corresponds to option (C).
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