From waste to health, valorization of agri-food by-products for postharvest fungal control

The valorization of agro-food byproducts can contribute to the development of sustainable alternatives for controlling fungal diseases during fruit storage. A doctoral thesis by Ricardo Lima de Souza investigates the antifungal potential of extracts obtained from thinning apples, almond peels, alperujo (olive pomace), and avocado pits, all of which are rich in phenolic compounds.

The results particularly highlight the activity of thinning apple extracts against Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fructicola, the pathogens responsible for gray mold and brown rot in plums. In trials with inoculated fruit, the treatments reduced the incidence of both diseases by more than 85% under ambient conditions. After cold storage, the reduction exceeded 71%.

Avocado Pits and Edible Coatings: A Step Forward in Citrus Preservation

The avocado pit extract also demonstrated high potential against Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum, which cause green and blue molds in citrus fruits. Applied via a dip treatment at a concentration of 8 mg mL ^-1, it reduced the incidence of these diseases by more than 63% in 'Valencia' oranges and 'Orri' mandarins stored at 20 °C.Furthermore, the research evaluated the incorporation of avocado pit extract into edible coatings. Combining it with eugenol enhanced its antifungal activity, whereas the addition of beeswax reduced its efficacy, although it improved the fruit's barrier properties and certain quality parameters.Overall, the findings point to the potential of these byproducts as sources of bioactive compounds to develop non-polluting, integrated pest management strategies for post-harvest diseases, thereby utilizing agro-food industry resources within a circular bioeconomy model.

Sources

Lima De Souza, RF. (2026). Antifungal extracts from agri-food by-products and their application for postharvest preservation of fresh fruits [Tesis doctoral]. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/243940

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