Induced Resistance in Fruits as an Eco-friendly Strategy for Postharvest Disease Management: A Review

Postharvest diseases cause substantial losses in fruit production worldwide, with fungal pathogens being the primary causal agent. Traditional control methods rely heavily on chemical fungicides, which pose environmental and health concerns while promoting pathogen resistance. Induced resistance offers a sustainable alternative by activating the fruit's natural defense mechanisms rather than directly targeting pathogens. This review examines two main types of induced resistance: Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR), triggered by chemical treatments and providing long-lasting protection, and Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR), activated by beneficial microorganisms with faster response times. Various elicitors can trigger these defenses, including physical treatments (UV-C light, heat, modified pressure), chemical compounds (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, brassinosteroids), and biological agents (chitosan, harpin, oligandrin, beneficial microbes like Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Trichoderma, and antagonistic yeasts). Each elicitor category offers unique advantages for disease management. Application methods such as dipping, spraying, and coating enable practical implementation in commercial systems. While challenges exist regarding timing, formulation stability, and variability across fruit types, combining different elicitors and integrating them with other control strategies shows promise. As regulations tighten and consumer demand for safer produce grows, induced resistance is emerging as a key component of sustainable postharvest disease management.

Neethu P. R.*1 and Gleena Mary C. F.2 Click here to download file

Research Review | Published online : 06-Jan-2026