Harnessing Cold Plasma: An Innovative Strategy for Managing Postharvest Fungal Infections in Plants
C. Shanmugaraj *
ICAR – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi – 110 012, India.
V. Jaiganesh
TNAU – Citrus Research Station (CRS), Vannikonenthal, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu – 627 951, India.
H.M. Akshay Kumar
ICAR – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam – 787 035, India.
M.K. Biswas
Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal – 731 235, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Researchers in plant pathology in recent times; have faced obstacles in finding chemical-free methods to combat postharvest fungal infections on a large scale. While conventional approaches like heat treatments have been utilized, they often present drawbacks such as altering food quality or causing harm to the environment. An encouraging alternative is a cold plasma, which consists of a blend of gas-derived atoms, excited molecules, and charged particles. Unlike alternative treatments, cold plasma has demonstrated no adverse effects on fresh produce or the environment. This review delves into the potential of cold plasma technology in managing postharvest fungal diseases, offering insights into plasma generation systems and examining both in vivo and in vitro studies. By evaluating the benefits, constraints, and current research gaps, this review seeks to guide for implementation of cold plasma technology in commercial settings.
Keywords: Postharvest diseases, fungal pathogens, cold plasma technology, chemical-free control, commercial scale