Bacterial agents for controlling anthracnose and soft rot in strawberries: present status and perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT Anthracnose and soft rot, caused by the fungal pathogens Colletotrichum spp. and Rhizopus spp., respectively, stand as prominent diseases impacting strawberries during the postharvest phase, resulting in significant economic losses. The use of conventional treatments involving chemical fungicides has been discouraged since they negatively impact the environment and human health. In this context, alternative strategies, such as biological control, have been required for organic and sustainable agriculture. While bacterial agents, such as Bacillus spp., are successfully used in commercial formulations to control postharvest diseases, there are other bacteria exhibiting antagonistic activities that hold potential in plant disease management. Hence, the current review aims to investigate studies developed over the past decade describing the primary bacterial genera with the potential to inhibit the causal agents of soft rot and anthracnose. Additionally, it aims to provide an overview of biocontrol mechanisms for suppressing these pathogens, detailing methods of application in both pre and postharvest phases, along with strategies for enhancing the efficacy of biocontrol agents. The findings of this review demonstrate that numerous bacterial species possess the ability to effectively control anthracnose and soft rot, both in growing plants and harvested strawberries. This expands the available forms of control and minimises the occurrence of resistant pathogens. Furthermore, the application of postharvest techniques such as edible coatings and bacterial encapsulation proves advantageous, extending fruit shelf life and reducing strawberry decay.