The Exploitation of Microbial Antagonists against Postharvest Plant Pathogens

Abstract

Postharvest disease management is vital to increase the quality and productivity of crops. As part of crop disease protection, people used different agrochemicals and agricultural practices to manage postharvest diseases. However, the widespread use of agrochemicals in pest and disease control has detrimental effects on consumer health, the environment, and fruit quality. To date, different approaches are being used to manage postharvest diseases. The use of microorganisms to control postharvest disease is becoming an eco-friendly and environmentally sounds approach. There are many known and reported biocontrol agents, including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Nevertheless, despite the abundance of publications on biocontrol agents, the use of biocontrol in sustainable agriculture requires substantial research, effective adoption, and comprehension of the interactions between plants, pathogens, and the environment. To accomplish this, this review made an effort to locate and summarize earlier publications on the function of microbial biocontrol agents against postharvest crop diseases. Additionally, this review aims to investigate biocontrol mechanisms, their modes of operation, potential future applications for bioagents, as well as difficulties encountered during the commercialization process.

Yeast Warriors: Exploring the Potential of Yeasts for Sustainable Citrus Post-Harvest Disease Management

“…Firstly, over-reliance on these chemicals can lead to the development of resistant strains of pathogens, rendering them less effective over time and necessitating the use of even more potent and potentially harmful chemicals [82]. Additionally, the residues of these chemicals on fruits can pose serious health risks to consumers if not properly regulated and monitored, potentially causing various health issues [83]. Moreover, the environmental impact of these chemicals includes soil and water pollution, harm to non-target species and disruption of ecosystems [84].…”

Microbial Biofungicides as a Substitute for Chemical Fungicides in the Control of Phytopathogens: Current Perspectives and Research Directions

“…Microbial biofungicides are a sought-after component for integrated pathogen management because of their unique and varied range of features. The main mechanisms of action exerted by microbial biofungicides are competition for space and nutrients, suppression via siderophores, hydrolytic enzymes, antibiosis, biofilm formation, and induction of plant resistance, while the most common fungicide modes of action are respiration inhibitors and sterol biosynthesis inhibitors [ 25 , 26 ] ( Figure 2 ).…”

Identification and Aggressiveness of Fusarium Species Associated with Onion Bulb (Allium cepa L.) during Storage

“…Biological control agents (BCAs) are a promising alternative for controlling plant pathogens, offering environmentally friendly and sustainable methods of suppressing diseases [26]. Several BCAs have shown efficacy against phytopathogenic microorganisms belonging to the following genera Fusarium, Rhizopus, Penicillium, Alternaria Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Xanthomonas, and Erwinia [27,28]. These BCAs act by competing with pathogens for nutrients and niches, as well as, by producing antifungal compounds [29,30].…”