Application of microbial antagonists for the preservation of fruits: An effective strategy to inhibit the postharvest disease

Various microbial diseases spoil the fruits after/during harvesting and storage, as a result, the heavy economic loss comes to the farmers and fruit industry. Most of the infections are coming during the handling, management, and transportation. To control the microbial infections by use of chemical-based pesticides/fungicides/bactericides are commercially available and also have been evaluated. But an increase in microbial resistance also has been observed against chemical-based pesticides. On the other hand, eco-friendly, safe, and non-chemical biological methods to control the numerous diseases are also available but less popular among the farmers and agro-industries. Although biocontrol strategies are more sustainable for the long run and cost-effective. Many successful field studies reported that the diverse microbial infections may be controlled by the use of biopesticides, especially against fungi-like microorganisms. They have considered these potential three interrelated levels. Sometimes this is also called tripartite interaction. Actually, in this approach: The interaction exists between the pathogen Host and prevailing conditions at the time of action Way by which these organisms perform antagonism These types of relations/interactions are an integral part of the process. It includes induction of host resistance, mycoparasitism, competition for existence and nutrients, exudation/secretion of compounds with antibiotics and antifungal properties sometimes, which are volatile metabolites in nature. Various studies have proved that when microbes are applied as a postharvest application, improved results are obtained in comparison to preharvest application. Recently, several scientific experiments have been conducted to enhance the efficacy or effectiveness of microbes with help of techniques including the use of various physical and chemical substances. Nowadays, several products concerning microbial antagonists are available for application and are registered. This book chapter describes the information concerning using microbial antagonists as postharvest biocontrol mediators, especially for the regulation of postharvest diseases of fruits, their isolation, product formulation application approaches along with commercialization. Moreover, it is of utmost importance to understand the practical significance of antagonistic mechanisms concerning these microorganisms and how they can control the postharvest infections of fruits.