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Review
. 2025 Aug 10;14(16):2782.
doi: 10.3390/foods14162782.

Biocontrol and Nanotechnology Strategies for Postharvest Disease Management in Fruits and Vegetables: A Comprehensive Review

Habiba Lawal  1   2 , Mohammed Sani Gaddafi  2 , Aasia Muhammed Jamiu  1 , Gerefa Sefu Edo  1 , Opoku Genevieve Fremah  1 , Abdulgaffar Usman El-Yakub  3 , Gustav Komla Mahunu  4 , Kaili Wang  1 , Hongyin Zhang  1 , Qiya Yang  1
Affiliations
Review

Biocontrol and Nanotechnology Strategies for Postharvest Disease Management in Fruits and Vegetables: A Comprehensive Review

Habiba Lawal et al. Foods. .

Abstract

Postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables, estimated at 20-50% globally, undermine food security and economic stability. Biological control agents (BCAs), including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This review comprehensively analyzes advances in BCAs for postharvest disease control and highlights their mechanisms, impacts on produce quality, and integration into sustainable systems. Additionally, this review delves into the innovative role of nanotechnology-enhanced BCAs (Nano-BCAs), emphasizing nanoencapsulation, improved biofilm formation, targeted delivery, and antimicrobial synergy. While promising, Nano-BCA application requires risk assessment, regulatory clarity, and cost-effective scalability. This synthesis aims to guide future research and application toward sustainable, safe, and efficient postharvest disease management.

Keywords: biocontrol agents; food security; fruit; postharvest losses; vegetable quality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Key causes of postharvest losses and the role of biocontrol strategies created with biorender.com.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mechanism of action of biocontrol agents on fruits and vegetables created with biorender.com.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Illustration of biofilm protection of surface of treated produce with BCAs (how BCAs form a biofilm, inhibit pathogen colonization, and protect produce postharvest) created with biorender.com.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Role of biocontrol agents on postharvest physiology of tomato created with biorender.com.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The advantage of encapsulating biological control agents [20].
Figure 6
Figure 6
The advantage of encapsulated biological control agents in protecting plant pathogens [20].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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