Microbial-based Biocontrol Solutions for Fruits and Vegetables: Recent Insight, Patents, and Innovative Trends

Abstract

Background: Fruits and vegetables are susceptible to colonisation by undesired microflora, which, in pre- and post-harvest conditions, negatively impacts on the quality of these products, leading to a reduction of yield, shelf-life and marketability. In the last years, the use of microbial Biological Control Agents (BCAs) has assumed international relevance in order to control harmful microorganisms, as a promising alternative to chemical interventions. Objective: The purposes of this review is to discuss the microbial-based solutions applicable for the biocontrol of the main microbial spoilers, phytopathogens, and human food-borne pathogens affecting fruits and vegetables during their production and storage. Results: A comprehensive overview of the scientific literature investigating the effectiveness of BCA-based products available on the market is provided, as well as of the most recent patents protecting biotechnological applications in this field. Innovative trends are discussed, with a particular focus on the integration of BCAs to minimise spoilage phenomena and microbiological risks adopting combined approaches. Conclusion: This study underlines the growing interest about biocontrol strategies to counteract the growth of spoilage and/or pathogenic microorganisms indicating that in the next years a considerable increase of commercial products and patents will worldwide developed to exploit innovative biotechnological solutions in the sector.

Culturable Yeasts as Biofertilizers and Biopesticides for a Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review

“…Recent research has revealed yeasts as a promising microorganism for agriculture and has led to improved techniques that can reduce the impact on biodiversity. In fact, the patent literature testifies the industrial interest yeasts application for the design of tailored biotechnological solutions [ 172 ]. For example, recent patents proposed specific Metschnikowia fructicola strains to improve plant performance [ 173 ] and to inhibit the growth of unwanted microorganisms [ 174 , 175 ].…”

Tobacco Plant Growth-Promoting and Antifungal Activities of Three Endophytic Yeast Strains

“…and provide them to the plant, increase the productivity of photosynthesis, enhance enzymatic processes in plants and improve water regime, induce the activity of other soil microorganisms, act as antagonists of phytopathogenic microorganisms, and increase the protective functions of plants [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Extensive research has led to the development of various microbial-based products that can be used in the biocontrol of plants [ 5 ]. Yeasts are broad-distributed, and they live in association with other microorganisms that are common populations of soil, vegetation, and aqueous environments.…”

Microbial Biocontrol as an Alternative to Synthetic Fungicides: Boundaries between Pre- and Postharvest Applications on Vegetables and Fruits

“…These plant-based commodities provide important intakes of water, vitamins, minerals, sugars, fibres and a massive diversity of phytochemicals of high interest for the plethora of functional properties ascribable to these foodstuffs [2]. In a 'from farm to fork' perspective, there are several phases in the production chain of fruits and vegetables in which the plant, in general, and the edible part, in particular, can be infested or attacked by undesired microbial contaminations [3], including phytopathogen that produce mycotoxins (e.g., Fusarium) [4]. In managing these diseases/decays, harvest is a crucial phase Fermentation 2021, 7, 60 2 of 14 responsible for a shift in the intervention criteria [5].…”

“…Microbial-based biotools can find application both to control plant diseases and to reduce contaminations on the product [21]. From this perspective, they can be considered biocontrol solutions in preharvest or in postharvest [3,5].…”