Biological Control Strategies for Fruit Postharvest Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

After harvesting the fruit, part is put on the market and another part is intended for conservation to meet the needs of consumers throughout the year. However, stored fruits are susceptible to several pathogens, leading to significant annual losses. To address this concern, the use of synthetic chemicals remains the most frequently used method. However, the harmful effects of this approach on humans and the environment have prompted researchers to explore more sustainable alternatives.

With this in mind, in recent years, significant efforts have been devoted globally to advancing biological control strategies aimed at mitigating postharvest diseases of fruit, thereby enhancing food safety and security while minimizing agricultural environmental impacts. Among these strategies, biological control agents (BCAs) have emerged as promising tools. BCAs encompass a diverse array of organisms, including fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and viruses, which can suppress postharvest pathogens through various mechanisms such as nutrient and space competition, antibiosis, and induced systemic resistance.

Despite the advancements in utilizing BCAs for postharvest disease management, numerous scientific challenges persist. This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research contributions that will deepen our understanding of the efficacy of biological control strategies, their compatibility with existing postharvest technologies, and their potential impacts on fruit quality and shelf life.

Key areas of interest for this Special Issue on "Biological Control Strategies for Fruit Postharvest Diseases" include the following:

• Evaluation of novel biological control agents against postharvest pathogens;
• Mechanisms of action underlying biological control efficacy;
• Integration of biological control with other postharvest management practices;
• Impact of biological control strategies on fruit microbiota and quality parameters;
• Advances in biotechnological approaches for enhancing biological control efficacy.

We invite researchers to submit original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that will contribute to the advancement of biological control strategies in the context of managing postharvest diseases of fruit.

We look forward to your valuable contributions.

Best regards,

Prof. Dr. Said Ezrari
Dr. Nabil Radouane
Guest Editors

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• losses
• post-harvest diseases
• synthetic chemicals
• alternatives
• shelf life
• biosecurity
• storage
• biological control agents
• fruit quality
• commercialization
• food security
• fruits and vegetables