Kajian Penyebaran Penyakit Erwinia (Erwinia chrysanthemi) pada Buah Nanas (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) Selama Penyimpanan

Abstract

Pineapple is one of Indonesia’s leading horticultural commodities with high economic value; however, its postharvest quality and shelf life are often reduced by infection of Erwinia chrysanthemi, the causal agent of Soft Rot. This study aimed to investigate the spread of fruit rot disease in pineapple during postharvest storage through direct contact between infected and healthy fruits, to observe the early symptoms and incubation period of the disease, and to evaluate the relationship between bruising, E. chrysanthemi infection, and fruit weight loss during storage. Observations were conducted on disease development, bruising incidence, bacterial infection percentage, and fruit weight loss throughout the storage period. The results showed that E. chrysanthemi transmission occurred through direct contact between healthy and infected fruits. Early symptoms of infection were characterized by tissue softening, mucus formation on the fruit surface, and a distinctive rotten odor. The incubation period ranged from 4 to 12 days depending on storage conditions. Regression analysis demonstrated that bruising level was strongly associated with the development of E. chrysanthemi infection, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.8097. Furthermore, E. chrysanthemi infection was strongly associated with increased fruit weight loss, with an R² value of 0.8865. Bruising caused tissue damage that facilitated bacterial invasion, while infection development accelerated tissue degradation and water loss, leading to greater weight loss during storage. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing mechanical damage and implementing proper postharvest handling practices to reduce disease spread and maintain pineapple fruit quality during storage and distribution.