Sustainable botanical products for safe post-harvest management of perishable produce: A review

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this review is to study the effect of plant-based products on post-harvest management of the horticultural crops. Today when the horticulture crops are loaded with pesticides, the produce does not reach the consumer in a fresh and healthy form, it becomes imperative to look for alternative products which are safe, non-toxic, environment-friendly and does not disturb the eco rhythm. Findings: Plant-based products can be utilized at post-harvest stage washing agents, botanical sanitizers, edible coatings (protein, lipid and starch-based, anti-microbial agents, cushioning materials during transport, preservatives and as control measure for storage diseases as various bioactive constituents. To minimize dependence on synthetic pesticides, the use of plant-based antimicrobial substances which includes essential oils, glucosinolates, volatile compounds, acetaldehydes and jasmonates at various stages of plant growth may help in the management of crops, phytopathogens and pests in a very effective manner and will provide an alternative method for sustainable agriculture and opens up a new dimension of research for the scientists. Limitations: The author has used all the available resources but some excellent literature is still limited for including in the study due to non-availability to resources. Directions for future research: Plant-based products and botanical extracts opens up a new dimension of research. Scientists can easily utilize these for plant protection, cushioning, disease management during storage, extending the shelf-life. Scientists can standardize the edible coatings for various fruits, anti-bacterial, nano-emulsions based delivery of edible coating materials and aromatic extracts for disease management.