Use of Probiotics for the Management of Post Harvest Diseases in Papaya

Author: K. Greeshma, C.D. Deokar, K.S. Raghuwanshi and V.K. Bhalerao

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Abstract

The diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms pose a potential threat to agriculture. Owing to the limitations of conventional methods, an effective alternative is needed. Probiotics are live micro organisms provide a number of health benefits to the host when consumed. The use of probiotics in crop production and crop protection programme is gaining a momentum in recent years. Probiotics usage for the management of post-harvest diseases of papaya has opened a new avenue in the disease management replacing toxic chemical fungicides. Along with the challenges in use of probiotics such as screening for efficient strain and identification of appropriate carrier for their inoculation. The present investigation was conducted at MPKV, Rahuri using different probiotic isolates, which are isolated and cultured from curd, fermented dosa material, fermented jower and bajra flour and the commercial probiotics (Prowel, Flora and Vibact) were tested for their efficacy in controlling major post

Keywords

Papaya, Post-harvest disease, Probiotics, Management, Bio control

Conclusion

The studies on use of probiotics as a alternative in the management of post-harvest pathogens of papaya fruits suggests that the pathogens particularly Colletotrichum, Alternaria can be controlled as a post-harvest pathogen by spraying of probiotics under in vitro conditions when the inoculum load of these pathogens is less on the fruits. The probiotics treatment also increases the shelf life and the quality of the fruits keeping them fresh for longer periods. Hence, they can be used as an effective alternate in plant disease management and form essential part of bio control and also in integrated disease management. The future scope includes Molecular identification and characterization of efficient strains and development of stable formulations with efficient carriers that enhance the shelf life along with developing standardized protocols for quality assurance.

References

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How to cite this article

Greeshma, K., Deokar, C.D., Raghuwanshi, K.S. and Bhalerao, V.K. (2021). Use of Probiotics for the Management of Post Harvest Diseases in Papaya. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(1): 462-467.