Exploring the Role of Microbial Live Factories in Post-Harvest Management of Potatoes-Possible Solution to the Optimization of Supply Chain

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth most important food crop in the world with annual production of nearly 300 million tonnes. However, significant amount of the product (20–25%) is compromised to postharvest losses. Significant amount of the product (20–25%) is compromised to postharvest losses, therefore, alleviation of food security problems can be achieved through reduction in postharvest losses. Role of plant growth-promoting (PGP) microbes for the enhancement of potato production has been subject of extensive research. However, their impact on postharvest quality of horticultural crops has largely been unexplored, with limited research conducted on plant–microbe interactions in postharvest crops and their impact on storage stability. Although, microbial control has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to chemical fungicides in several studies, however, significant research and development are required in development of sustainable microbial bio formulations for effective management of the crops under storage, in keeping with the quality of the produce. Therefore, manipulation of the bacterial microbiome, specially during crop storage, might provide microbial solutions as cleaner and sustainable alternatives to chemicals for plant production along the whole food chain. This chapter would elucidate functional analysis of the dynamics and potential of microbial live formulations for reducing the crop losses due to various diseases and status of the crop