Exploring the Role of Plant Microbiome in Post-harvest Tomato Disease Management (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill)

In tomato fruit, post-harvest diseases are the chief problem affecting fruit quality, quantity, and shelf life. They result in noteworthy economic losses in the agricultural industry. To tackle this problem, this paper reviews the emergent field of plant microbiome research and explores how it can help to lessen tomato post-harvest diseases. Plant microbiome denotes the microorganism community living in and on the plant, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It refers to the important role played by microorganisms in sustaining the plants health and defense mechanisms. We also review the complex relationship between an important microbiome and the development of significant strategies for tomato post-harvest disease management.Recent advancements in this field concern the use of important beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, as biocontrol agents of post-harvest diseases. These microorganisms suppress growth, development and spread of plant pathogens, offering promising substitutes of chemical pesticides. They show no negative impact on the environment or human health. This chapter highlights the possibility of harnessing the plant microbiome by means of eco-friendly and sustainable disease management strategies. Farmers can use beneficial microbes as biocontrol agents to reduce chemical pesticides and promote healthy and disease-resistant plants. This tactic can improve tomato quality, reduce post-harvest losses in tomato, and positively impact agriculture and the environment.