Aligarh Muslim University

About: Aligarh Muslim University is a education organization based out in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Adsorption. The organization has 8218 authors who have published 16416 publications receiving 289068 citations. The organization is also known as: AMU.

Recent developments in shelf-life extension of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables by application of different edible coatings: A review

Abstract: Intake of fruits and vegetables has been linked with various health benefits. Fruits and vegetables can be consumed either fresh or processed. Production and consumption of minimally processed foods is gaining popularity. Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are being welcomed by the consumers due to the desire for new and natural products coupled with change in life style of the consumers. However, challenge for fresh-cut industry is to maintain fresh like characteristics of fresh-cut produce for a prolonged storage time. Fresh-cut produce has a much larger cut surface and consequently much shorter shelf-life. Loss of quality parameters such as color, firmness, juiciness, flavor and excessive moisture loss results in limited shelf-life and increased chances of rejection of the produce by the consumers. Developments in packaging technology and edible coatings for foods have shown promising results in extending the shelf-life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Therefore, this article reviews the scope of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and shelf-life extension by means of coating. Application of innovative packaging techniques and novel food coatings would make it possible to meet the ever growing consumer demands and to approach the distant markets with comparatively high quality fresh produce.

PGPR: Prospective Biocontrol Agents of Plant Pathogens

Abstract: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are indigenous to soil and the plant rhizosphere and play a major role in the biocontrol of plant pathogens. PGPR can profoundly improve seed germination, root development and water utilization by plants. These rhizobacteria can stimulate plant growth directly by producing growth hormones and improving nutrient uptake or indirectly by changing microbial balance in the rhizosphere in favour of beneficial microorganisms. They can suppress a broad spectrum of bacterial, fungal and nematode diseases. PGPR can also provide protection against viral diseases. The use of PGPR has become a common practice in many regions of the world. Although significant control of plant pathogens has been demonstrated by PGPR in laboratory and greenhouse studies, results in the field have been inconsistent. Recent progress in our understanding of their diversity, colonizing ability, mechanisms of action, formulation and application should facilitate their development as reliable biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. Some of these rhizobacteria may also be used in integrated pest management programmes. Greater application of PGPR is possible in agriculture for biocontrol of plant pathogens and biofertilization.