Effective control of Listeria on rockmelons through alternative post-harvest treatment methods (VM20007)

What’s it all about?

This short project is determining the optimum postharvest strategies to reduce the risk of listeria contamination of rockmelons. After the research has been conducted, best practice recommendations for growers will be developed and communicated to industry.

Following industry consultation, a series of trials will evaluate the effectiveness of five common sanitisers (chlorine, chlorine dioxide, e-water, peroxyacetic acid and nylate) against listeria. Each sanitisers’ effectiveness will be evaluated against concentration, dwell time, presence of organic material and sanitisation method used (dip/spray/brush).

A final trial will assess short (45-second) high temperature treatments, as a chemical free option that may also provide improvements in quality and storage life.

Results will be compiled into user-friendly best practice recommendations for growers which will be communicated to industry via a number of channels.