Fungal Endophytes and Their Role in Postharvest Disease Management: An Overview

The primary method for preventing postharvest fungal degradation of fruits and vegetables is the application of chemical fungicides. Increasing public concern regarding the lingering presence of fungicidal contamination of perishables and the emergence of resistant pathogen populations have been the main obstacles to the effective use of fungicides. Recent research has aimed to create and assess new substitute control methods to reduce dependency on synthetic fungicides. For the control of fungal deterioration, a number of nonchemical methods have been suggested. These methods have been found to lessen fruit and vegetable postharvest rots. However, they all have disadvantages that may make them less commercially viable. None of the nonchemical control approaches has consistently shown the ability to provide a reasonable level of disease control that supports acceptance as a replacement for synthetic fungicides. There has recently been a surge in interest in employing natural items to halt decomposition and extend the shelf life of perishables. Natural, biologically active compounds have the potential to replace synthetic fungicides. Significant genera of anamorphic postharvest infections include Penicillium, Aspergillus, Geotrichum, Botrytis, Fusarium, Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Dothiorella, Lasiodiplodia, and Phomopsis. Coordinated postharvest infection management strategies should be implemented to reduce the loss of fresh fruits and vegetables qualitatively and quantitatively during food supply chain.