Effect of beeswax and lemon grass oil on <i>Alternaria alternata</i> and post‐harvest quality of bitter gourd during storage

ABSTRACT Alternative strategies are being utilised to extend the storage ability and preserve the quality of crops including bitter gourd. The present study was conducted to assess the potential of beeswax (BW) and lemongrass oil (LO) on the shelf life and Alternaria alternata disease of bitter gourd during cold storage. The experiment included the following treatments: (1) distilled water (control), (2) BW 5%, (3) BW 10%, (4) BW 5% + LO 0.5%, and (5) BW 10% + LO 0.5%. The bitter gourds were stored at 25°C for 15 days. The results revealed that BW 10% + LO 0.5% proved to be the best treatment followed by BW 5% + LO 0.5% and BW 10%. The BW 10% + LO 0.5% treatment exhibited inhibitory effects on mycelium growth, spore germination, disease incidence, and disease severity. It also reduced weight loss and ion leakage and conserved higher contents of titratable acidity, firmness, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content of bitter gourd. Overall, these results revealed that beeswax and lemon grass oil can be effectively utilised to inhibit Alternaria alternate disease and prolong the storage ability of bitter gourd fruit in a cost‐effective and eco‐friendly way.