Title: Biological control of postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables
Abstract: Worldwide, postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables are estimated at more than 25%, and much of this is due to postharvest decay. This chapter provides an overview of the potential application, and limitations of microbial antagonists to prolong shelf-life, and control of decay of harvested commodities. Biocontrol products are expected to protect wounds from being infected during processing, deactivate wound infection occurring during the harvesting process, and this protection must last during storage, shipping and retailing phase. If, we are to maximize the biocontrol potential of microbial antagonists, a more fundamental understanding of their mode of action, their ecology, their compatibility with postharvest commercial practices, and the effect of host physiology on their biological activity is needed. Several other promising biological control approaches that include the use of bioactive compounds and induced resistance are available and can be used in combination with microbial antagonists to provide a greater stability and effectiveness than the approach of utilizing a single microbial biocontrol agent.
Publication Year: 2002
Publication Date: 2002-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 97
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot