Counteracting Post-harvest Diseases Through Horticultural Plants Microbiome

Horticulture diseases in the post-harvest are worrying as they are leading to aggravated losses. Different chemical methods for controlling these diseases have already been tried, and many are still in use. However, in their residual forms, these chemicals are entering the food chain causing all sorts of medical concerns to higher beings. Therefore, some non-chemical but effective methods are needed. Several microorganisms, unlike disease-causing pathogens, are also present in association with plants and have some capabilities and action mechanisms for combating the harmful species. If studied, identified, and utilized effectively against problematic pathogens, they would help eliminating post-harvest diseases and, in turn, reduce post-harvest losses. Therefore, the present chapter is based on the above concept to discuss interesting microbial agents and their antagonistic properties against post-harvest horticultural pathogens. The review also highlights some recent developments in research, market-based biocontrol products, and future requirements in the sector.