1.2 Fungal Plant Pathogens
For centuries, Canadian farmers have lost their crops to disease caused by fungal plant pathogens. In agriculture, crop contamination is detected in both pre- and postharvest stages of growth (Bonaterra et al., 2003). During preharvest field preparation, the objective is for farmers to mitigate the negative impacts on biodiversity, improve forest production and minimize impacts on the residual forest stand, soil and water values (Chung et al., 2008). The current use of synthetic fungicides is the primary means for controlling postharvest diseases. Further along, at the postharvest stage, processing steps include cleaning, sorting, and packing of the crops which are handled. Results from previous studies indicate that the overall quality and condition of fresh produce cannot be improved after harvest (Pusey and Wilson, 1984). Although good post-harvest practices can extend the useful post-harvest life of fruits and vegetables but only to the extent that their quality and condition at harvest permit. Pre- and post-harvest losses due to plant quality and reduced food quantity are caused by fungal growth. …show more content…
Not only do they cause crop contamination, but such pathogenic species result in environmental damage as well. Fortunately, during the storage of harvested commodities, environmental parameters are quite stable (Pusey and Wilson, 1984). For this and other reasons, biological control methods by means of microbial antagonists are thought to have a greater potential for success when applied postharvest. However, one of the major obstacles in the development of postharvest biocontrol agents is that they are unable to control previously established infections (Arrebola, Jacobs, & Korsten, 2010). In general, farmers rely on their own experience and local traditions in selecting crops and in cultivation practices. When the food quantity or quality decrease significantly, these growers depend on research and development of novel biopesticides. In addition, certain applications of biocontrol agents may promote early colonization of fruit surfaces, thus protecting from these infections (Pussey and Wilson, 1984). Moreover, preharvest applications can be an appropriate strategy for fruits and vegetables subject to damage in postharvest handling. As previously mentioned, to be successful in preharvest applications, identified biocontrol agents must be able to meet certain standards. Requirements include being capable of surviving in environments of low nutrient availability, UV radiation, high temperature and dry conditions (Ippolito and Nigro, 2000). The poor commercial success of biocontrol agents is probably due to their unsatisfactory ability to colonize the host surface. Antagonists must reach high growth rates under favorable conditions of humidity, temperature and nutrients as well as under marginal conditions (Leibinger et al., 1997). Studies suggest that preharvest antagonist sprays have been effective in controlling postharvest fruit diseases. Korsten et al. reported effective control of postharvest decay from anthracnose using preharvest B. subtilis field sprays (1994). Postharvest application of B. subtilis was similarly effective for control of these postharvest problems. …show more content…
The molecular actions that govern microbial competition, leading to microbial control, remain undetermined. A recent FAO report indicates that approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted (FAO, 2014). Each mold contributes to plant quality loss as they are known to be phytopathogenic species. Most studies have indicated that crop losses by phytopathogens are hard to quantify. In this study, fungal competitors include Alternaria solani, Fusarium sambucinum, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Verticillium
For centuries, Canadian farmers have lost their crops to disease caused by fungal plant pathogens. In agriculture, crop contamination is detected in both pre- and postharvest stages of growth (Bonaterra et al., 2003). During preharvest field preparation, the objective is for farmers to mitigate the negative impacts on biodiversity, improve forest production and minimize impacts on the residual forest stand, soil and water values (Chung et al., 2008). The current use of synthetic fungicides is the primary means for controlling postharvest diseases. Further along, at the postharvest stage, processing steps include cleaning, sorting, and packing of the crops which are handled. Results from previous studies indicate that the overall quality and condition of fresh produce cannot be improved after harvest (Pusey and Wilson, 1984). Although good post-harvest practices can extend the useful post-harvest life of fruits and vegetables but only to the extent that their quality and condition at harvest permit. Pre- and post-harvest losses due to plant quality and reduced food quantity are caused by fungal growth. …show more content…
Not only do they cause crop contamination, but such pathogenic species result in environmental damage as well. Fortunately, during the storage of harvested commodities, environmental parameters are quite stable (Pusey and Wilson, 1984). For this and other reasons, biological control methods by means of microbial antagonists are thought to have a greater potential for success when applied postharvest. However, one of the major obstacles in the development of postharvest biocontrol agents is that they are unable to control previously established infections (Arrebola, Jacobs, & Korsten, 2010). In general, farmers rely on their own experience and local traditions in selecting crops and in cultivation practices. When the food quantity or quality decrease significantly, these growers depend on research and development of novel biopesticides. In addition, certain applications of biocontrol agents may promote early colonization of fruit surfaces, thus protecting from these infections (Pussey and Wilson, 1984). Moreover, preharvest applications can be an appropriate strategy for fruits and vegetables subject to damage in postharvest handling. As previously mentioned, to be successful in preharvest applications, identified biocontrol agents must be able to meet certain standards. Requirements include being capable of surviving in environments of low nutrient availability, UV radiation, high temperature and dry conditions (Ippolito and Nigro, 2000). The poor commercial success of biocontrol agents is probably due to their unsatisfactory ability to colonize the host surface. Antagonists must reach high growth rates under favorable conditions of humidity, temperature and nutrients as well as under marginal conditions (Leibinger et al., 1997). Studies suggest that preharvest antagonist sprays have been effective in controlling postharvest fruit diseases. Korsten et al. reported effective control of postharvest decay from anthracnose using preharvest B. subtilis field sprays (1994). Postharvest application of B. subtilis was similarly effective for control of these postharvest problems. …show more content…
The molecular actions that govern microbial competition, leading to microbial control, remain undetermined. A recent FAO report indicates that approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted (FAO, 2014). Each mold contributes to plant quality loss as they are known to be phytopathogenic species. Most studies have indicated that crop losses by phytopathogens are hard to quantify. In this study, fungal competitors include Alternaria solani, Fusarium sambucinum, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Verticillium