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Biological pest control

Innovative Strategies for Postharvest Disease Management in Fruits and Vegetables

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study published in Food Science & Nutrition has identified innovative, sustainable strategies for biological control, nanotechnology, edible coatings, and plant growth regulators to mitigate postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables. The research concludes that these strategies can significantly reduce disease incidence and economic impacts, exceeding $10 billion annually. The study highlights the importance of developing low-cost solutions and testing a wide range of crops to improve the sustainability of postharvest management.

Key Takeaways:

  • Postharvest diseases, driven by necrotrophic fungi, pose a significant threat to global fruit and vegetable supply chains, resulting in annual losses of 20%-40% and economic impacts exceeding $10 billion.
  • Biological agents like Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens reduce disease incidence by 60%-85% through volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nutrient competition.
  • Selenium-chitosan nanoparticles (Se-ChNPs) achieve a 92% inhibition of B. cinerea in grapes via ROS induction and cell wall disruption.
  • Chitosan and alginate-based edible coatings prevent decay by creating physical barriers and increasing host enzymes, such as SOD by 68%.
  • Phytotoxins, such as salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MT), trigger enhanced PAL and PR genes, reducing disease by 55%-80%.
  • Integration of these strategies, including Se-ChNPs and cold storage, gives a synergy ratio of 76%-94% due to multiple target suppression and host defense potentiation.
  • However, there are limitations to the use of Se-ChNPs, including high cost, efficacy limited to grapes, and lack of regulation for residues.
  • Biosensors and protocols can be used to address these issues and improve crop management.

Statistics:

  • 20%-40% Annual losses due to postharvest diseases in global fruit and vegetable supply chains.
  • $10 billion Annual economic impacts due to postharvest diseases.
  • 60%-85% Reduction in disease incidence through the use of biological agents like Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens.
  • 92% Inhibition of B. cinerea in grapes through the use of selenium-chitosan nanoparticles (Se-ChNPs).
  • 55%-80% Reduction in disease incidence through the use of phytotoxins, such as salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MT).
  • 76%-94% Synergy ratio through the integration of Se-ChNPs, cold storage, and other strategies.

Sources:

  • Innovative Strategies for Postharvest Disease Management In Fruits and Vegetables: a Comprehensive Treatise. Food Science & Nutrition, 2025;13(9).
  • Prince of Songkla University, Fac Agroind, Funct Food & Nutr Program, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand.
  • Muhammad Tayyab Arshad, Qudrat Ullah, Muhammad Waqar, Thanet Khomphet, Nimra Sajjad, Farhang H. Awlqadr, Sammra Maqsood, Kubra Saglam, Nimra Maqsood, Md. Sakhawot Hossain, Ali Ikram, and Kodjo Theodore Gnedeka.

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