Current Trends and Advances in Probiotic and Biological Systems for Postharvest Disease Management in Fresh Produce: A Review

Abstract

Postharvest diseases remain among the most critical factors limiting the shelf life, quality, and marketability of fresh produce worldwide, contributing substantially to economic losses and food insecurity. Although conventional preservation strategies such as synthetic fungicides and low-temperature storage have been effective, their long-term use is increasingly constrained by pathogen resistance, chemical residue concerns, environmental impacts, and stricter regulatory controls. In recent years, probiotic microorganisms and biological control agents (BCAs), particularly when incorporated into edible coating systems, have emerged as promising and bio-based approaches for postharvest disease management. These bio-based systems provide multifunctional benefits by integrating direct antimicrobial activity with competitive exclusion of pathogens, induction of host defense responses, and modulation of fruit physiological processes, while simultaneously forming protective barriers that regulate gas exchange and moisture loss. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in probiotics and biological control strategies for postharvest disease management, emphasizing their roles in mitigating both microbial decay and physiological quality deterioration during storage. The review moves beyond proof-of-concept studies to evaluate challenges related to strain selection, formulation compatibility, delivery strategies, and regulatory constraints under commercial conditions. By consolidating recent progress in microbial agents, coating materials, and translational considerations, this review provides a forward-looking framework for developing sustainable, low residue alternatives to chemical fungicides in postharvest management.