Current status of alternative methods, of control of fungi and its effect on the post-harvest quality of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

Tomatoes in food industry are essential for their flavor and high nutritional value. For Mexico, it is of great importance due to the spill economic and the generation of direct and indirect jobs. Therefore, post-harvest quality is essential, which can be influenced by conditions such as temperature, transport, and storage, causing the development of pathogenic fungi that deteriorate its quality and prevent its commercialization, generating economic losses. The primary control strategy is synthetic fungicides; However, although they are effective, they adversely affect the environment and humans and develop resistant strains. Because of this, consumers constantly demand safe and residue-free products. In this sense, this review shows a general overview of the control methods applied to tomato fruits during their post-harvest stage. Posing its application to the use of fungicides, such as heat treatments, ultraviolet light, organic and inorganic salts, chitosan, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, plant extracts, essential oils, and microorganisms; considering safe and economic ecological systems that protect against pathogens, increase shelf life and preserve fruit quality.