Postharvest Diseases Research Articles

Insights on Origins, Hosts, Impacts of Banana Anthracnose and its Management

Banana is a staple food of millions of people in almost all the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The most critical factors affecting banana production are post-harvest diseases, which generally originate from the flowering to fruit maturity or at the time of harvesting and subsequent storage of fruits. The primary sources of such infection include superficial wounds during handling, leading to enormous economic losses. One major post-harvest pathogen is Colletotrichum musae, causing anthracnose, a pretty significant disease on banana fruits and other plant parts. The pathogen overwinters in plant residues, such as mycelia or sclerotia, produce acervuli that generate primary conidia. Conidia disseminated by rain infect the plant and initiate secondary infection cycles. However, it was mentioned that the growth and pathogenicity of C. musae were highly affected by the following environmental factors: pH and temperature. Moreover, the susceptibility of banana cultivars to anthracnose is varied, with resistant to highly susceptible cultivars. Besides prevailing environmental conditions that favor growth, knowledge of the disease cycle of C. musae becomes essential in devising effective management strategies to reduce post-harvest losses with disease-free bananas.

Optimization, characterization and biosafety of oregano, rosemary and mint oil mixture against Penicillium digitatum in citrus using L-optimal mixture design

The increasing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides has prompted research into natural products like essential oils for postharvest disease management. This study investigated the antifungal, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic potential of essential oil mixtures derived from oregano, rosemary, and mint against Penicillium digitatum, the predominant fungal pathogen causing green mold in orange fruits. P. digitatum NPAGRASU 2024 was isolated and identified as the most abundant species (60.2%) from infected oranges. It was deposited in GenBank with gene accession number PP930644 and deposited in MIRCEN culture collection as EMCC 358874. The antimicrobial activity of individual essential oils was evaluated, with oregano exhibiting the highest antifungal activity (inhibition zone diameter of 4.2 cm) against P. digitatum. L-optimal mixture design of response surface methodology (RSM) optimization revealed a highly effective mixture (Run 8) comprising 46.26% oregano and 53.74% rosemary, with a 99.65% actual growth reduction. The oregano oil demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, reaching approximately 75% DPPH radical scavenging at 3.125 mg/mL. Cytotoxicity assessment using the MTT assay showed morphological changes and reduced cell viability in liver cells treated with the PEOs mixture at 300 µg/mL. However, the optimized mixture did not induce significant chromosomal aberrations compared to the control, suggesting minimal genotoxic effects. In vivo, evaluation on oranges revealed 60% inhibition of green mold by the 1% (v/v) optimized mixture for 7 days. Histological analysis indicated low toxicity to the liver at the highest tested concentration (1% mixture). GC-MS analysis identified major compounds like cavarcol, caryophyllene, eucalyptol, phenols and levomenthol in oregano oil, contributing to its bioactivities. This study demonstrates the potential of optimized essential oil mixtures as effective and eco-friendly alternatives for postharvest disease control.

Construction of Composite Microorganisms and Their Physiological Mechanisms of Postharvest Disease Control in Red Grapes

Red grapes often suffer from postharvest diseases like blue mold and black mold caused by Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus niger. Biological control using beneficial yeasts and bacteria is an effective method to manage these diseases. Rhodotorula sp. and Bacillus sp. are effective microorganisms for the control of postharvest diseases of red grapes. This study combined two yeast strains (Rhodotorula graminis and Rhodotorula babjevae) and two bacterial strains (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus velezensis) to investigate their biological control effects on major postharvest diseases of red grapes and explore the underlying physiological mechanisms. Research showed that compound microorganism W3 outperformed the others; it reduced spore germination and germ tube growth of P. expansum and A. niger, while its volatiles further inhibited pathogen growth. Additionally, the treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity of grapes and increased resistance to pathogens by boosting peroxidase activities, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonolyase, and polyphenol oxidase. Furthermore, the combined treatment increased the activity and accumulation of antifungal compounds such as total phenols and flavonoids, thereby improving disease resistance and reducing decay. Therefore, composite microorganisms combining various antagonistic strains may offer a viable substitute for tackling postharvest diseases in red grapes.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of aldehydes-thiourea derivatives as promising antifungal agents against postharvest gray mold disease.

Gray mold disease is caused by B. cinerea, which could severely reduce the production yield and quality of tomatoes. To explore more potential fungicides with new scaffolds for controlling the gray mold disease, ten aldehydes-thiourea derivatives were designed, synthesized and assayed for inhibitory activity against three plant pathogenic fungi. The preliminary antifungal assay suggested that the some title derivatives showed moderate to good antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea. Especially, compound 9 presented excellent in vitro antifungal activity against B. cinerea (EC50 = 0.70 mg/L), which was superior to boscalid (EC50 = 1.41 mg/L). In vivo antifungal assay indicated 9 displayed good protective effects on tomato leaves infected by B. cinerea. Preliminary mechanism study displayed that 9 could damage the surface morphology, increase the cell membrane permeability and lead to the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Enzyme inhibition assay illustrated that 9 could be potential laccase inhibitor. The above bioassay results and mechanism investigation demonstrated that aldehydes-thiourea derivatives could be promising fungicide for further controlling postharvest gray mold disease, which would be potential candidate of fungicidal compound.

Comprehensive analysis of causal pathogens and determinants influencing black rot disease development in MD2 pineapples.

Malaysia ranks among the world's top 20 pineapple producers, driven by the success of the MD2 variety in meeting domestic and international demand. However, postharvest losses due to pathological diseases remain a challenge. Black rot, a major postharvest disease, causes significant economic losses in pineapples. Despite its presence in various cultivars, its aetiology, specifically in MD2 pineapples remains unclear. This study was conducted to identify the principal causative pathogen of black rot disease in pineapple from three different regions. In addition, critical factors influencing black rot disease were investigated, such as the minimum inoculum concentration, appropriate storage temperature, and maturity index required to initiate infection. Thielaviopsis paradoxa was identified as the primary pathogen causing black rot, with 50 and 45% occurrence at two specific cultivation sites. Other associated pathogens included Lasiodiplodea theobromae, Trichoderma asperellum, Curvularia eragrostidis, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Aspergillus assiutensis, and Aspergillus aculeatus. Fruits stored at ambient temperature with a maturity index of 2 showed higher disease progression than those in cold storage. A minimum inoculum concentration of 1 × 104 CFU/mL was sufficient for infection at both storage conditions. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a weak positive link (r > 0.39, p < 0.0001) between harvesting index and fruit pH, while pH and storage temperature had a strong positive correlation (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001). The increments in pH correlated with lesion length and infected area (r = 0.83 and r = 0.82, respectively). The harvesting index showed a strong positive correlation with the proportion of infected area (r = 0.86, p < 0.0001). The telomorph state of T. paradoxa, identified as Ceratocystis paradoxa, persists in soil and decaying plant material, acting as a quiescent pathogen, increasing cross-contamination risks. Urgent measures are required to reduce postharvest losses and maintain the quality of pineapples for international markets.

Progress in research on the effects of preharvest inducers on postharvest fruit disease resistance and physiological disorders

Progress in research on the effects of preharvest inducers on postharvest fruit disease resistance and physiological disorders

Fungal Biocontrol Agents in the Management of Postharvest Losses of Fresh Produce-A Comprehensive Review.

Postharvest decay of vegetables and fruits presents a significant threat confronting sustainable food production worldwide, and in the recent times, applying synthetic fungicides has become the most popular technique of managing postharvest losses. However, there are concerns and reported proofs of hazardous impacts on consumers' health and the environment, traceable to the application of chemical treatments as preservatives on fresh produce. Physical methods, on the other hand, cause damage to fresh produce, exposing it to even more infections. Therefore, healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives to existing methods for managing postharvest decays of fresh produce should be advocated. There is increasing consensus that utilization of biological control agents (BCAs), mainly fungi, represents a more sustainable and effective strategy for controlling postharvest losses compared to physical and chemical treatments. Secretion of antifungal compounds, parasitism, as well as competition for nutrients and space are the most common antagonistic mechanisms employed by these BCAs. This article provides an overview of (i) the methods currently used for management of postharvest diseases of fresh produce, highlighting their limitations, and (ii) the use of biocontrol agents as an alternative strategy for control of such diseases, with emphasis on fungal antagonists, their mode of action, and, more importantly, their advantages when compared to other methods commonly used. We therefore hypothesize that the use of fungal antagonists for prevention of postharvest loss of fresh produce is more effective compared to physical and chemical methods. Finally, particular attention is given to the gaps observed in establishing beneficial microbes as BCAs and factors that hamper their development, particularly in terms of shelf life, efficacy, commercialization, and legislation procedures.

Combined application of methyl jasmonate and Bacillus subtilis LLCG89 suppresses blue and green mold of lemon (Citrus limon L.).

Bacillus species produce antimicrobial lipopeptides (LPs) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induces resistance in harvested fruits against postharvest pathogens. However, there is limited evidence of the combined efficacy of Bacillus LPs and MeJA to suppress postharvest diseases. This study presents the combined effect of Bacillus LPs and MeJA to suppress P. digitatum and P. italicum associated with green and blue mold of lemon. Eight Bacillus strains were screened in a direct antagonism plate assay, where Bacillus subtilis LLCG89 and B. atrophaeus HFZ23 exhibited the highest inhibition of both molds. Subsequently, in an in vitro assay, LPs extracted from LLCG89 demonstrated the highest antifungal activity against both pathogens compared to HFZ23. When combined with MeJA, LLCG89 LPs reduced the lesion diameter and disease incidence of blue and green mold on lemon fruit. Co-application of MeJA and LLCG89 LPs decreased the levels of MDA, H2O2, and electrolyte leakage compared to single treatments and controls. Furthermore, treatment with MeJA and LLCG89 LPs increased the activities of defense enzymes including SOD, CAT, POD, PPO, CHI, GLU, APX, and PAL with peak activity between 48 to 72 h. The co-application of MeJA and LLCG89 LPs showed the highest enzyme activity compared to the control. Postharvest quality analysis indicated that co-application of LLCG89 LPs and MeJA showed little impact on fruit quality. The findings of our study highlight the potential of Bacillus-derived LPs and MeJA as effective tools for managing the Penicillium decay of lemons by maintaining fruit quality. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

The combined effects of Aloe vera gel enriched with Adhatoda vasica Nees. Leaves extract edible coating on improving postharvest shelf-life and quality of jamun fruit (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels).

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels), a less recognized, underutilized, and highly perishable fruit is a delicacy of tropical regions. Soft pulp and thin exocarp make these small purple berries susceptible to mechanical injury and several postharvest diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of Aloe vera gel (AG), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Adhatoda vasica Nees. leaves extract (AVLE) coatings for enhancing postharvest shelf-life and quality of jamun fruits stored at 60-65%RH and 9±2°C. Antifungal, physicochemical, biochemical and cell wall softening enzyme assays were conducted to assess the quality changes in jamun during storage. Our findings reveal that incorporating AG and AVLE in the edible coatings reduces the disease severity of the coated fruits compared to control fruits. Additionally, AG+HPMC + AVLE (2%) and (4%) preserved jamun for 22 and 24days, respectively, with better nutritional quality against control (15days). The coated fruits, especially, AG+HPMC + AVLE (4%) showed minimal weight loss 32.92% with no fungal incidents by the end of storage. Moreover, AG+HPMC + AVLE (4%) maintained pH (3.68), TA (0.85%), and TSS (9.67°Brix) than control fruits. Also, AG+HPMC + AVLE (2%) effectively delayed fruit quality deterioration by suppressing cell wall-softening enzyme activity, and thus slowing the increase in reducing and non-reducing sugars. This study highlights a novel edible coating of Aloe vera gel and A. vasica leaves extract with excellent potential to maintain the quality and extend the shelf-life of jamun fruits after harvest.

Effects of Preharvest Application of Acibenzolar-S-methyl and Potassium Silicate on Postharvest Diseases and Fruit Quality of Blueberries

Blueberries are highly perishable and susceptible to storage spoilage, especially fruit rot diseases caused by fungal pathogens. Alternaria rot caused by Alternaria alternata and gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea are the primary postharvest diseases of blueberries grown in California. We conducted a three-year field experiment to evaluate the effects of preharvest application of Acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) and potassium silicate (PSi) on Alternaria rot and gray mold in blueberry fruit inoculated with these pathogens after harvest, as well as naturally occurring fruit rots, fruit-to-fruit spread of gray mold during cold storage, and fruit quality. After four weeks of cold storage, all inoculated fruit developed rots regardless of the treatments applied in the field. In non-inoculated fruit, ASM significantly reduced the percentage of naturally occurring decayed fruit compared to the non-treated control in 2023 but not in 2021 and 2022. PSi significantly reduced the percentage of decayed fruit compared to the non-treated control in 2021 and 2023, but not in 2022. A significant increase in soluble solids and reduction in titratable acidity were observed in the fruit treated with ASM and PSi for the second and third years of the experiment, indicating that both treatments may have enhanced fruit maturity. Our results suggested that preharvest use of ASM and PSi had limited efficacy in postharvest disease control, but may have potential as tools for adjusting fruit maturity of blueberries.

From Lesions to Lessons: Two Decades of Filamentous Plant Pathogen Genomics.

Filamentous plant pathogens pose a severe threat to food security. Current estimates suggest up to 23% yield losses to pre- and post-harvest diseases and these losses are projected to increase due to climate change (Singh et al. 2023; Chaloner et al. 2021; Stukenbrock and Gurr 2023; Fisher et al. 2012; Steinberg and Gurr 2020). Understanding how filamentous plant pathogens emerge, spread and adapt to their hosts and new environmental niches is crucial to address their devastating impact on global agriculture. Over the past two decades, genomics has emerged as a central technology to advance our understanding of the population dynamics and coevolution of filamentous plant pathogens. The first genome of a filamentous plant pathogen, the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, was sequenced 20 years ago. Since then, plant pathogen genomics has not only provided a deep understanding of the genomic makeup of plant pathogen populations, but has emerged as a fundamental technology for gene discovery, disease diagnostics, and has accelerated molecular biology. In merely two decades, we have witnessed several revolutions in the field, including the first reference genomes of many filamentous plant pathogens, population scale genomics of thousands of individuals, long-read and chromosome conformation sequencing for highly continuous assemblies and recent intersections of genomics and structural biology. Here, we commemorate the 20th anniversary by presenting important technological advances (Fig. 1) and lessons we learned from the past two decades of filamentous plant pathogen genomics, with a focus on cereal diseases.

Sensitivity to the Demethylation Inhibitor Difenoconazole Among Baseline Populations of Various Penicillium spp. Causing Blue Mold of Apples and Pears.

Difenoconazole (DIF), a demethylation inhibitor fungicide, was registered in 2016 for the control of postharvest diseases of pome fruits. In this study, 162 isolates from P. expansum (n = 31) and 13 other "non-expansum" Penicillium spp., i.e., P. solitum (n = 52), P. roqueforti (n = 32), P. commune (n = 15), P. paneum (n = 9), P. psychrosexuale (n = 8), P. crustosum (n = 5), P. carneum (n = 3), P. palitans (n = 2), along with one isolate each of P. citrinum, P. griseofulvum, P. raistrickii, P. ribium, and P. viridicatum, were collected from multiple packinghouses in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. In vitro sensitivity assays showed similar sensitivities of spores and mycelia across species with the mean EC50 values ranging from 0.01 for P. psychrosexuale (n = 8) to 1.33 μg mL-1 for P. palitans (n = 2), whereas the mean EC50s were 0.03, 0.12, 0.19, and 0.51 μg mL-1 for P. expansum (n = 31), P. paneum (n = 9), P. solitum (n = 52), and P. crustosum (n = 5), respectively. The recommended rate of DIF controlled P. expansum and P. roqueforti isolates but not all isolates of four other Penicillium spp. on Fuji apples after five months at 1.5 °C. The mixture of DIF + fludioxonil (FDL) (AcademyTM) controlled all the dual-sensitive isolates (DIFSFDLS) and DIF single-resistant (DIFR) isolates among the six species tested but not the FDLR and dual DIFRFDLR isolates. Notable polymorphism was detected in the CYP51 gene of the "non-expansum" species with four mutations located at four residues. Although the isolates analyzed in this study had not previously been exposed to DIF, the findings indicate variable sensitivity levels among the Penicillium spp.

Nanostructured Chitosan Coating with a Coffee Residue Extract for the Preservation of Tomato and Controlling Pre- and Postharvest Disease Caused by Rhizopus stolonifer

The antifungal efficacy of coffee residue extract (CRE) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) alone and in combination (CNPs-CRE) against the growth of Rhizopus stolonifer was assessed. Two nanostructured edible coatings (ECs), one consisting of chitosan nanoparticles (CCNP) and another consisting of coffee residue extract encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CCNP-CRE), were elaborated, characterized, and applied on inoculated Naples tomatoes to evaluate their fungicidal activity and their effect on fruit quality. The tests consisted of evaluating physicochemical variables in tomato previously sprayed with CCNP and CCNP-CRE for 30 days preharvest and 14 days at 10 °C postharvest. CNPs with a particle size of 2.4 ± 0.24 nm with a Z potential of −1.62 mV were observed, while CNPs-CRE showed a size of 3.9 ± 0.55 nm with a Z potential of −0.89 mV. The FTIR spectrum showed the integration of CRE into the CCNP-CRE. A synergistic effect between CNPs and 1% CRE was observed, obtaining the greatest inhibition of mycelial growth (43%). In the preharvest trials, both ECs showed differences with respect to the control in the variables of color, total carotenoids and ethylene. In the postharvest test, they showed differences in color and CO2 production. The severity of the infection decreased by 33% in tomatoes with coatings. The ECs evaluated represent a emergent technological advancement in the conservation of the tomato.

Nanoparticle-Enriched Edible Coatings with Plant Extracts and Essential Oils for Extending Postharvest Quality of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are affected by postharvest diseases and physiological processes such as transpiration and respiration after harvest, leading to significant quality losses during transportation and storage. To control postharvest diseases and extend shelf life, synthetic fungicides are commonly used. However, the extensive use of these chemicals raises concerns about potential health risks, environmental impact, and the development of fungicide-resistant pathogens. Therefore, alternative approaches, such as edible coatings with plant extracts, essential oils and nanoparticles loaded with plant extracts are explored to address these challenges while maintaining quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Nanoparticles loaded with essential oils or plant extracts are synthesized using ionic gelation method, spontaneous emulsification, phase inversion temperature, emulsion inversion point, and solvent displacement methods etc. Nanoparticle enriched edible coating delivers plant compound gradually over time. This controlled release provides a consistent and long-lasting effect, effectively inhibiting microbial growth, slowing nutrient degradation, and reducing oxidative stress on the produce. The nanoscale size of these particles increases their surface area, enhancing their adhesion to the surface of fruits or vegetables. This results in a more efficient barrier against moisture loss and gas exchange, further preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the produce. The synergistic effects of the nano-reinforced matrices show promising results in reducing post-harvest losses while maintaining food safety standards. This innovative approach holds immense potential for revolutionizing the postharvest management of fruits and vegetables by offering a safer, more sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides. Future research should focus on optimizing the formulation and scalability of nanoparticle-enriched edible coatings, evaluating their efficacy across diverse produce types, and assessing their long-term safety and environmental impact. This review examines the current developments in edible coating technology, focusing on various plant extracts, essential oils, and nanoparticles loaded with plant extracts enriched edible coating for extending shelf life and preserving the quality of fruits and vegetables.

Enhancing Fruit Resistance against Fungal Pathogens Using a Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern PdEIX.

Fruit is an essential part of the human diet, and postharvest fungal diseases are the major cause of fruit postharvest losses worldwide. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are important elicitors from microbes, and the recognition between microbial PAMPs and plant receptors leads to PAMP-triggered immunity. Here, we identified a PAMP, PdEIX, that is an important protein elicitor with plant immunity-inducing activity, from the citrus green mold pathogen Penicillium digitatum. PdEIX showed an apoplastic location similar to that of known PAMPs, and plant receptor-like protein NbEIX2, receptor-like kinase BAK1, and other signaling components of plant immunity were required for PdEIX-triggered plant cell death in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Moreover, PdEIX triggered a series of immune responses in citrus fruit and enhanced the resistance of citrus and other fruit against fungal pathogens. Our results indicate that application of a microbial PAMP as the plant immunity inducer is an effective strategy for controlling postharvest fungal diseases of fruit.

Isolation, characterization and control of Botrytis spp. pathogenic on strawberry in Iran.

This study was performed to identify Botrytis species pathogenic on strawberry and investigate effect of Ferula gummosa essential oil (EO) against Botrytis spp. The infected plant samples were collected in Khorasan Razavi province from strawberry fruits with gray mold disease symptoms. Following purification of the fungi, of the 54 isolates, 53 isolates were identified as B. cinerea and 1 isolate belonged to B. pelargonii based on morphological and molecular (ITS and RPB2 sequences) identification. The EO obtained from F. gummosa at 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000μgmL-1 concentrations showed significant antifungal effect on mycelial growth of B. cinerea and B. pelargonii in a dose dependent manner. Also, the EO at all concentrations tested strongly inhibited spore germination of B. cinerea and B. pelargonii. Treatment with the EO at EC50 concentration significantly reduced the sclerotia production of B. cinerea and B. pelargonii. Light and electron microscopy observations showed that F. gummosa EO at EC50 concentration caused morphological changes in the fungal structures. This EO reduced the activity of cell wall degrading enzymes, such as cellulase and pectinase produced by both fungal species. A total of 22 compounds were identified in the EO by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major compounds of F. gummosa EO were β-Pinene (% 37.7), γ-Terpinene (% 21) and a-pinene (% 12). Moreover, the F. gummosa EO at 500, 750 and 1000μgmL-1 concentrations considerably reduced the disease severity and infection of strawberry fruits by B. cinerea and B. pelargonii. According to the results of this study, inhibitory effect of F. gummosa EO was impressive in controlling strawberry postharvest gray mold disease. This is the first report on inhibitory ability of F. gummosa EO against strawberry postharvest gray mold disease, which can be suggested as a preserver coating for the fruits to extend their shelf life during storage period.

Fruit quality retention and shelf-life extension of papaya through organic coating.

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a climacteric fruit which lose quality and shelf life quickly due to physiological decay and microbial infection after harvest. The study was conducted to evaluate newly applied clybio formulation (0.2%) along with the existing effective concentration of chitosan (1%), aloevera gel (50%), seaweed extract (1%) and uncoated papaya (control) fruits on post-harvest physicochemical properties and disease incidence when stored at 25±1°C and 85-90% relative humidity. Quality parameters were available up to 12 days of storage (DAS) for chitosan and clybio treated papaya where it was 9 DAS for aloevera gel and seaweed treated papaya and 6 DAS for control papaya. Before decay of all the coated papaya at 9 DAS, chitosan (1%) performed superior in retaining maximum reducing sugar (0.77%, 1.41% and 3.85% more than aloevera, seaweed and clybio application, respectively), β-carotene (10.94%, 12.5% and 9.89% greater than aloevera, seaweed and clybio coatings, respectively), total flavonoids content (18.36%, 29.81% and 25.29% better than aloevera, seaweed and clybio treatments, respectively), total antioxidant activity (21.85%, 68.2% and 47.91% than noted in aloevera, seaweed and clybio formulations, respectively) and potassium content (3.14% and 9.32% than aloevera and clybio treatments, respectively). In addition, clybio gave better results over chitosan up to completion of shelf life (12 DAS) such as retention of ascorbic acid (6.21%), non-reducing sugar (13.48%), magnesium content (8.31%) and disease incidence (20%). Thus, besides preserving nutraceutical property, chitosan and clybio coated papaya remained edible for further 6 days compared to control, and 3 days over aloevera gel and seaweed extract treatment. These findings suggest the use of chitosan and clybio formulation for preserving quality parameters and extending the storage life of papaya.

Antifungal lipopeptides from the marine Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HY2-1: A potential biocontrol agent exhibiting in vitro and in vivo antagonistic activities against Penicillium digitatum.

This study aimed to clarify the antifungal activity and action mechanism of the lipopeptides from a marine Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HY2-1 against Penicillium digitatum both in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that HY2-1 lipopeptides exerted obvious inhibitions on spore germination and mycelium growth of P. digitatum. Furthermore, HY2-1 lipopeptides caused the aggravated lipid peroxidation, the decreased ergosterol biosynthesis, and the increased nucleic acid and protein leakage in P. digitatum, suggesting the damaged membrane integrity and permeability of P. digitatum. In addition, HY2-1 lipopeptides induced ROS burst and reduced the activities of antioxidant superoxide dismutase and peroxidase in P. digitatum, indicating that the intracellular redox homeostasis of P. digitatum was disturbed. In vivo biocontrol experiments showed that HY2-1 lipopeptides could effectively reduce the occurrence of green mold disease in citrus fruits artificially inoculated with P. digitatum spores. Most significantly, 4.8mg/mL of HY2-1 lipopeptides achieved 100% of biocontrol efficacy after 30days of storage and increased significantly contents of total phenols and flavonoids in citrus peels, demonstrating that HY2-1 lipopeptides inhibited green mold disease by exerting their antifungal activities and triggering fruit defense responses. This study deepens the understanding of marine Bacillus lipopeptides in the biological control of postharvest diseases.

Sustained release of gaseous chlorine dioxide from alpha-cyclodextrin: An innovative method for strawberry preservation.

The traditional method of generating chlorine dioxide (ClO2) involves reacting sodium chlorite with acid on-site, posing high safety risks of concentrated ClO2. This study encapsulates ClO2 molecules directly in α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) to form inclusion complexes (ClO2@α-CD). This approach enables stable storage and safe handling of gaseous ClO2, while its sustained-release property also provides long-term microbial inhibition. Fumigation with 0.25g of ClO2@α-CD completely inhibited Aspergillus niger growth on potato dextrose agar (PDA). A 0.5g dose reduced the 6-day decay incidence of A. niger-inoculated strawberries from 91.67% (control) to 5.00% and the severity from 58.75% (control) to 1.25%. In commercial storage simulations, 5g of ClO2@α-CD reduced the natural incidence from 53.33% (control) to 26.67%, while preserving the weight, color, firmness, and total soluble solids (TSS)/titratable acidity (TA) ratio of strawberries. These findings suggest that ClO2@α-CD is a viable approach for controlling postharvest diseases and prolonging fruit shelf-life.

Efficacy of Fluopyram 250 g/L + Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC Against Anthracnose Disease of Pomegranate

The experiment was conducted at Horticultural Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during Kharif-2022 &amp; Kharif-2023, respectively to evaluate the bio-efficacy Fluopyram 250 g/L+ Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC against field as well as post-harvest disease of anthracnose in pomegranate. For the field disease, the disease severity (percent) of anthracnose leaf and fruit spot were recorded separately, before spraying and at 5 and 10 days after each spray. Disease assessment was done using standard rating scale. To measure the post-harvest anthracnose disease after harvest, 20 healthy pomegranate fruits per replication per treatment were kept at ambient temperature for 30 days. More so ever the observation on phytotoxicity and yield were also recorded. The result revealed that treatments Fluopyram 250 g/L +Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC @ 80 ml per 100 lit. of water and Fluopyram 250 g/L +Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC @ 70 ml per 100 lit. of water showed significantly higher efficacy against field diseases of anthracnose in terms of leaf and fruit spot and against post-harvest anthracnose disease of pomegranate and also given highest fruit yield as well as recorded lowest fruit weight reduction after 30 days of harvesting during Kharif 2021-22 and Kharif 2022-23, respectively followed by Fluopyram 250 g/L +Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC @ 60 ml per 100 lit. of water and Propineb 70% WP @ 300 gm per 100 lit. of water.