Augmentation of biocontrol agents with physical methods against postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables (original) (raw)

Background: The application of physical (thermal and non-thermal) treatments in combination with biocontrol agents for the control of postharvest fungi has achieved significant research attention. In order to make combined nonchemical agents commercially suitable for postharvest treatment of other commodities, there is the need to study their individual effects and then integrated effects to present them as economically viable, resilient and persistent. Scope and approach: In this article, various physical treatment methods (thermal and non-thermal) have been used to enhance the bioefficacy of microbial agents against postharvest diseases of fruits and the possible mode of action were reviewed. Additionally, the interrelationship between fungal virulence, host response and environmental factors that influence infection rate and production of mycotoxin has also been highlighted.