Postharvest Diseases and Their Management

This book aims to provide comprehensive information to understand the potential of various kinds of microbial pathogens capable of causing serious losses, on a variety of harvested produce, and the conditions favourable for their development and spread. The efficacy of different disease management strategies based on cultural, physical, chemical, and biological methods has been shown to depend on the pathogen ecology and population dynamics, host plant species, produce and handling, and storage conditions. Some of the synthetic chemicals used against postharvest pathogens have been recommended for restricted use or replacement because of the development of resistance in pathogens to such chemicals. In addition, the persistence of chemicals in the commodities beyond permissible limits has also contributed to the realization of the necessity for alternative strategies. In this context, the uses of microbial biocontrol agents and/or compounds of plant and animal origin that can act directly on the pathogens and/or enhance the natural disease resistance of produce hold promise as effective alternatives. Moreover, they are natural and ecofriendly, helping the preservation of the environment. The effectiveness of protection to harvested produce may be markedly enhanced by integrating two or more effective strategies to derive maximum benefit.