Potentials of Medicinal Plant Extracts as an Alternative to Synthetic Chemicals in Postharvest Protection and Preservation of Horticultural Crops: A Review

Abstract

Horticultural crops undergo various physiological and biochemical changes that lead to undesirable physiological disorders, decay and subsequent economic losses during storage. Quality degradation of horticultural crops is mainly caused by postharvest pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium spp., etc. The application of synthetic fungicides remains the most effective method to control postharvest pathogens. However, their use is becoming increasingly restricted internationally due to health concerns and consumers’ requests for safe and natural alternatives. This has led researchers to investigate natural flora as one of the alternatives to be used in crop protection and preservation. Various medicinal plant parts have different phytochemicals and antioxidants that can be used in crop protection and preservation. Extracts from plants such as Ruta chalepensis, Eucalyptus globulus, etc., have proven to be effective in controlling postharvest pathogens of horticultural crops and increased their shelf life when used as a substitute for synthetic chemicals. Furthermore, extracts from neem and other medicinal plants contain a predominant and insecticidal active ingredient. The application of medicinal plant extracts could be a useful alternative to synthetic chemicals in the postharvest protection and preservation of horticultural crops. This review paper details the application of medicinal plant extracts for postharvest protection and preservation of horticultural crops.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Gum Arabic-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Composite Coating on Shelf-Life Extension of Mandarins (cv. Kinnow)

“…This helps develop a barrier to water loss and gas (CO 2 and O 2 ) exchange, thus maintaining the quality of the fruit (Riva et al, 2020). These waxes are often incorporated with synthetic fungicides; however, because of their reported detrimental effects on human health, the environment and aquatic life, their use has been banned in many developed countries (Valencia-Chamorro et al, 2010;Nxumalo et al, 2021). As a result, the commercial success of the citrus industry is threatened.…”

“…However, gum arabic has been reported to have poor water vapor barrier properties (Khorram et al, 2017;Riva et al, 2020). Due to the restricted use of synthetic fungicides incorporated into ECs, other means of adding antibacterial and antioxidant agents into these ECs must be exploited (La et al, 2021;Nxumalo et al, 2021).…”

Biological Activity of Phytochemicals from Agricultural Wastes and Weeds on Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…Botanical pest control was one of the first strategies to protect crops [13,14]; however, since 1940, these were rapidly displaced by pesticides due to the high effectiveness of the latter [15,16]. The indiscriminate use of pesticides and their slow degradation rate has favored the development of resistance in pest insects, among which S. frugiperda stands out.…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Pinus wallachiana Leaf Extracts against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense and Analysis of Its Fractions by HPLC

“…Additionally, these secondary metabolites e.g., terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenylpropanoids and flavanoids etc. are vital materials in the manufacture of sundry fungicides and pesticides [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Secondary metabolites signify the adaptive potential of plants against biotic and abiotic stresses [ 16 ].…”