Research Topic: Postharvest disease management

Bacteria from the Amphibian Skin Inhibit the Growth of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Control Postharvest Rots

Researchers discovered that bacteria living on frog skin can effectively prevent fungal diseases that rot fruits after harvest. These bacteria work by producing toxic compounds and releasing protective gases that stop fungi like green mold from growing. When applied to citrus, tomatoes, and blueberries, the bacteria significantly reduced fruit rot, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for food preservation.

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Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by sweet cherry and its application against cherry spot disease

Researchers developed a natural, eco-friendly method to fight a fungal disease that damages sweet cherries after harvest. Using tiny silver particles created from cherry fruit extracts, they successfully stopped the growth of harmful Alternaria fungi. This approach offers farmers an environmentally safe alternative to traditional chemical fungicides while protecting cherry crops from rot.

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Effects of Thifluzamide Treatment on the Production of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes in Rhizoctonia solani and Phenylpropane Metabolism in Pear Fruit

A new fungicide called thifluzamide was tested on pear fruits infected with a fungus that causes rot. The fungicide works in two ways: it stops the fungus from producing enzymes that break down plant cell walls, and it boosts the pear’s natural defense system by increasing protective compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids. This dual action makes thifluzamide a promising treatment for preventing fruit rot during storage and transport.

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Neem Essential Oil as an Antifungal Agent against Phyllosticta citricarpa

Citrus fruits are susceptible to a serious fungal disease called black spot that prevents them from being exported to certain countries. This study tested neem oil, a natural plant extract, as a replacement for chemical fungicides currently used to clean citrus fruits. The researchers found that neem oil was just as effective as the standard copper-based treatments at killing the fungus and preventing the disease, and it worked by breaking down the fungus cell membranes. This natural alternative could help farmers and fruit companies maintain food safety while using more eco-friendly solutions.

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Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part II

This research tested six common culinary essential oils to see if they could prevent fungi from growing on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified four types of harmful fungi that cause banana rot and tested how well oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, cinnamon, and basil oils could stop them. The results showed that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils were most effective at stopping fungal growth, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that consumers want to avoid.

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Metabolic profiling of endophytic fungi acting as antagonists of the banana pathogen Colletotrichum musae

Scientists found three special fungi living inside rainforest plants in the Philippines that can fight the fungus causing banana rot. These endophytic fungi produce chemical compounds that stop the disease-causing fungus from growing, offering a natural alternative to traditional fungicides. The researchers found that the type of growing medium affects which compounds these fungi produce, and two promising strains could potentially be used to reduce fruit losses during storage and transport.

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Terpinen-4-ol triggers autophagy activation and metacaspase-dependent apoptosis against Botrytis cinerea

Terpinen-4-ol, a natural compound from tea tree oil, effectively kills gray mold fungus that spoils fruits and vegetables after harvest. The compound works by damaging fungal cell membranes, creating harmful reactive molecules inside fungal cells, and triggering the fungal cells’ self-destruction pathways. When tested on tomatoes and strawberries, terpinen-4-ol successfully reduced mold growth and disease spread, suggesting it could be a safe, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting fresh produce.

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Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

Researchers tested six essential oils from common culinary herbs to control fungal diseases that damage bananas after harvest. Thyme, cinnamon, and oregano oils were most effective at preventing fungal growth at concentrations between 600-1000 parts per million. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides in banana storage facilities, providing a safer, more environmentally friendly approach to preserving fruit quality.

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Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

This study tested six common essential oils (from oregano, thyme, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and basil) to see if they could stop five types of fungi that spoil bananas after harvest. Thyme oil worked best, completely stopping fungal growth at the highest concentration tested. Cinnamon and oregano oils also worked well at moderate concentrations. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides and help keep bananas fresher longer during storage and transport.

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Postharvest Disease Management of ‘Akizuki’ Pear in China: Identification of Fungal Pathogens and Control Efficacy of Chlorine Dioxide

‘Akizuki’ pears are a popular fruit in China but often develop rot diseases during storage, causing significant economic losses. Researchers identified four types of fungi responsible for this rot and tested chlorine dioxide gas as a treatment. The study found that chlorine dioxide effectively kills these fungi by damaging their cell membranes and works as well as commercial fungicides, offering a safer alternative for preserving pears without harmful chemical residues.

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