Post-harvest losses caused by plant diseases
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Scale and Economic Impact of Post-Harvest Losses from Plant Diseases
Post-harvest diseases are a major cause of quality and quantity losses in horticultural crops and vegetables worldwide. In India, annual post-harvest losses reach 25-30% for horticultural crops and 10-15% for vegetables, resulting in significant economic damage. For specific crops like onions, losses during the supply chain and post-harvest handling can be as high as 40%. Globally, post-harvest diseases in fruits and vegetables account for 20-25% of losses, with some estimates suggesting that total losses from all causes (including pests and diseases) can reach 40% or more of a crop49. For example, Botrytis cinerea alone is responsible for economic losses ranging from $10 billion to $100 billion worldwide. In Finland, post-harvest diseases cause an average of 20-21% storage loss in carrots each year.
Major Pathogens Responsible for Post-Harvest Losses
Fungi and bacteria are the primary agents of post-harvest diseases. Common fungal pathogens include species from the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Botrytis, Fusarium, Alternaria, and Phytophthora1234+1 MORE. For instance, in carrots, Mycocentrospora acerina, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium spp. are the most frequently detected pathogens during storage. In vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, brinjal, and bell peppers, fungal infections are a leading cause of decay and economic loss. The prevalence and impact of specific pathogens can vary by crop, region, and storage conditions110.
Factors Contributing to Post-Harvest Disease Losses
Several factors increase the vulnerability of crops to post-harvest diseases:
- Storage Conditions: Improper temperature and humidity during storage promote the growth of pathogens, leading to sprouting, rotting, and moisture loss110.
- Handling and Supply Chain: Losses are exacerbated by poor handling practices and delays in the supply chain.
- Pre-Harvest Management: Lack of effective pre-harvest disease management increases the risk of post-harvest infections.
- Environmental Factors: The incidence of post-harvest diseases is often higher during rainy seasons and in regions with high humidity.
Control and Management Strategies for Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
Chemical and Physical Methods
Traditional control methods include the use of fungicides (such as benomyl, streptocyclin, and carbendazim) and growth retardants to reduce sprouting and rotting. Adjusting storage temperature and humidity can also help extend shelf life and reduce losses.
Biological Control and Sustainable Approaches
Due to concerns about chemical residues and toxicity, there is growing interest in biological control agents (BCAs) such as Trichoderma, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas. These BCAs work by competing for nutrients and space, producing antimicrobial compounds, and inducing plant resistance46. They are effective in managing post-harvest diseases in crops like citrus, strawberry, and tomato, and can be integrated with other natural compounds for enhanced protection46.
Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, is another promising sustainable solution. It acts as an antimicrobial agent, triggers plant defense mechanisms, and forms physical barriers to prevent pathogen entry, thereby prolonging shelf life and maintaining quality.
Importance of Disease-Loss Assessment
Accurate assessment of disease-related losses is essential for developing effective management strategies and justifying the use of control measures. Reliable loss estimates help prioritize research and guide the rational use of fungicides and other interventions.
Conclusion
Post-harvest losses caused by plant diseases represent a significant threat to food security and economic sustainability, with fungi and bacteria being the main culprits. Losses can reach up to 40% in some crops, with substantial financial implications for growers and supply chains. Effective management requires a combination of improved storage practices, pre- and post-harvest disease control, and the adoption of sustainable solutions like biological control agents and chitosan. Accurate loss assessment and farmer education are also critical to minimizing post-harvest disease impacts and ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural production1234+6 MORE.
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