PROSPECTIVE OF PLANT EXTRACTS FOR CONTROLLING POSTHARVEST DISEASES OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Abstract

Plants produce compounds with antimicrobial properties that can be used for diseases control of several diseases of horticultural products. The evaluation and identification of their active compounds will allow their application against different plant pathogens. In vitro studies have shown that plant extracts can inhibit pathogen growth, as well as sporulation and germination. When evaluated in vivo on fruits and vegetables, plant extracts have also reduced rots, but their effect varies with the preparation method (solvent, dry or fresh, storage time, etc.), plant species, organ (roots, leaves, seeds, etc.), harvest date, etc. However, the antifungal activity of plant extracts may be enhanced by adding some other natural compound. Up to now, there are only a few basic studies focused on the effect of plant extracts on the molecular, biochemical and morphological changes of the host and pathogen.