Managing epiphytic microorganisms on harvested fruits and vegetables to extend storage-and shelf-tife

Abstract EN

The surfaces of roots and aerial parts of plants support epiphytic microorganisms some of which are antagonistic to plant pathogens.

Harvested fruits and vegetables probably support similar microbial epiphytes.

It may be possible to manage such populations to extend the storage-and shelf-life of fruits and vegetables.

Antagonistic microorganisms have been applied artificially to harvested fruits and vegetables to control certain postharvest diseases.

Such procedures may provide alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the control of postharvest decay and attempts are being made to commercialize them.

Evidence exists that certain epiphytic antagonists may be under the genetic control of the host.

It may be possible to select plants genetically that support antagonists on their surfaces which will reduce postharvest diseases.