http://dx.doi.org/10.21276/ijlssr.2017.3.2.11

Emerging Trends to Minimize the Post Harvest

Decay of Perishable Fruits

Geetanjli*

Department of Botany, Dev Samaj College for Women, Ferozepur, Punjab, India

*Address for Correspondence: Dr. Geetanjli, Asst. Professor, Department of Botany, Dev Samaj College, Ferozepur,

Punjab, India

ABSTRACT- Fruits and vegetables are mainly consumed for their nutritive value. India ranks high in the world in

production of these commodities. But, a major part of the yield is lost due to a number of factors. Post harvest decay due

to attack by a variety of pathogen is one of the main reason responsible for such losses. Most of the fruits and vegetable

are prone to attack by post harvest pathogens. But, perishable fruits are at maximum risk due high moisture content

present in them. Various control measures have been practiced against the fungal pathogens. Tradionally used methods

like irradiation, use of chemical fungicides etc. have certain environmental and health hazards associated with them.

Recent trends are shifting towards safe and consumer friendly strategies to control the post harvest decay of perishable

fruits. Presently, trends are focusing on enhancement of the shelf life of perishables along with the minimization of the

losses in quantitative as well as qualitative terms. In the recent past, a metamorphic change in the post harvest

management scenario has been observed. Emerging trends are aimed at use of biological control measures to combat the

post harvest losses.

Key-words- Post harvest decay, Perishables, Fungal pathogens, Biological control, Post harvest management, Emerging

trends, Consumer friendly strategies