Biological Control of Postharvest Diseases and Aflatoxins

Many cereal and other crops are susceptible to fungal attack either in the field or during storage. Toxin-producing fungi may invade at pre-harvesting period, harvest-time, during post-harvest handling and in storage. Traditionally, synthetic chemicals were used to prevent the damages caused by pre- and post-harvest diseases. This book presents safe strategies to manage pre and postharvest plant diseases and mycotoxin in food. It discusses the newer but safer methods such as development of microbes for biocontrol, the use of plant/animal based derivatives, and the application of essential oils and other physical means as alternatives to synthetic chemicals for controlling pests and diseases.