Postharvest Microbiological Control of Fruits and Vegetables: Mechanisms, Microbiome, and Applications

Fresh fruits and vegetables are highly perishable due to postharvest infections caused by a wide range of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, leading to significant economic losses and food waste. Traditional chemical fungicides face increasing regulatory restrictions and consumer concerns over health and environmental risks. In response, microbiological strategies have emerged as promising green alternatives. These include the use of antagonistic microorganisms (e.g., yeasts, Bacillus, Pseudomonas), microbial metabolites, and modulation of the fruit-associated microbiome to suppress pathogens. However, the translation of these strategies from laboratory to commercial application still faces challenges, including inconsistent efficacy, limited understanding of mechanisms, and lack of robust delivery systems.The goal of this Research Topic is to consolidate the latest advances in microbiological approaches for postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on mechanistic insights, practical applications, and translational potential. We aim to address key knowledge gaps, such as: how do antagonistic microbes interact with host plants and pathogenic fungi at the molecular level? What roles do the native epiphytic and endophytic microbiomes play in disease resistance or susceptibility? How can we improve the stability, safety, and efficacy of microbial biocontrol agents under commercial storage conditions? This collection will also explore emerging technologies, including high-throughput screening of biocontrol strains, genomic and metabolomic characterization of beneficial microbes, microbiome engineering, and the development of formulation and delivery systems (e.g., edible coatings, controlled-release carriers). By bringing together original research, reviews, and perspectives, we seek to stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the development of reliable, eco-friendly microbiological solutions for reducing postharvest losses.This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Methods, and Perspectives that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:o Isolation, identification, and characterization of novel antagonistic microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi) against postharvest pathogens.o Molecular mechanisms of biocontrol, including antibiosis, competition, parasitism, biofilm formation, and induction of host defense responses.o Role of the fruit/vegetable microbiome (epiphytic, endophytic, or storage-associated) in disease development or suppression.o Omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to unravel microbe–pathogen–host interactions.o Development of microbial consortia or synthetic communities for enhanced and stable biocontrol.o Formulation, preservation, and application technologies for biocontrol agents in postharvest systems (e.g., edible films, coatings, fumigation, controlled atmosphere).o Integration of microbial biocontrol with physical methods (e.g., low temperature, UV-C, modified atmosphere) or natural antimicrobial compounds.o Safety assessment, regulatory considerations, and commercial case studies of microbial products for postharvest use.We encourage authors to provide clear mechanistic insights and quantitative data on preservation efficacy under simulated or real storage conditions. Topic editors: Wanli Zhang, Ruiling Lv, Aliyu Idris Muhammad Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80349/postharvest-microbiological-control-of-fruits-and-vegetables-mechanisms-microbiome-and-applications