Preharvest Methods for Controlling Pathogen Infection in Fruits

Pathogen infections are the principal agent that negatively affects the quality and growth of fruits before harvesting. Convention preharvest treatments, such as synthetic pesticides, are used most to control fruit pathogen infections. They are stable and exhibit a broad spectrum of chemicals able to destroy and inhibit several microorganisms. However, accumulating these substances can be prejudicial to human health and the environment after a long time. Thus, new natural alternatives based on biocontrol agents, bioactive compounds, and biopolymers have been studied and tested to replace them without compromising food security. This chapter discusses conventional and innovative preharvest methods and presents the main research and results in this area.