Exploring the non-chemical alternatives for the management of post-harvest fungal diseases of major tropical fruits- mango, banana and papaya

Fruits plays an important role in the balanced diet of mankind. The greatest challenge faced by the fruit sector is the post-harvest losses, which questions the availability of the fruits in contrast to the volume of production. Post-harvest losses was estimated as 5–20 % in developed countries while 20–50 % in developing countries. Among the numerous aliments affecting the post-harvest industry, the role played by the fungal pathogens are highly significant. Anthracnose, stem end rot, Rhizopus soft rot, gray mold, etc are important diseases contributing to huge losses in tropical fruits. The chemical method of disease control is not recommended as it is evoking severe health concerns among the consumers. Thus, non-chemical alternatives have to gain momentum and should replace the synthetic fungicides. Some of the emerging alternatives for the effective management of post-harvest fungal diseases include the use of edible coatings, essential oils, GRAS salts, botanicals, heat treatment, irradiation, ROS and biological control. Many of these methods exhibit effectiveness comparable with the chemical control. •Post-harvest diseases contributes greatly to the losses from harvesting till consumption.•Chemical treatment is having direct impact on the human health.•Non-chemical alternatives can be used as a potential substitute against the chemicals throughout the post-harvest period.•Lactic acid bacteria is being explored as an effective bio-agent in this aspect.