Low-dose gamma irradiation (0.08 kGy over 10 min), a level significantly below that required to satisfy
the majority of international quarantine regulations, has been employed to provide a significant reduction in visible fungal infection on papaya fruit surfaces. This is appropriate for local and national
markets in producer countries where levels of commercial acceptability can be retained despite surface
lesions due to fungal infection. Irradiation alone and in combination with hot-water immersion (50°C for
10 min) has been applied to papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruits at both the mature green and 1/3 yellow
stages of maturity. The incidence and severity of surface fungal infections, including anthracnose, were
significantly reduced by the combined treatment compared to irradiation or hot water treatment alone,
extending storage at 11°C by 13 days and retaining commercial acceptability. The combined treatment
had no significant, negative impact on ripening, with quality characteristics such as surface and internal
colour change,firmness, soluble solids, acidity and vitamin C maintained at acceptable levels.