Post-harvest losses of perishable horticultural crops remain a major challenge in the global agricultural supply chain. As fruits and vegetables move from farms to consumers, they often suffer from physiological breakdown and microbial decay, causing major economic losses. In the past, the industry depended mostly on synthetic chemicals to control these issues. Today, changing consumer preferences for chemical-free food and stricter environmental rules are pushing researchers toward greener alternatives. This paper reviews recent progress in post-harvest plant pathology, focusing on safe disease management tools like biological control agents and plant extracts. It also covers smart agri-food processing methods, especially how vulnerable crops can be converted into value-added products like Ready-to-Serve (RTS) beverages to reduce waste and retain quality. Finally, this review highlights the practical challenges in scaling these technologies and outlines future perspectives for sustainable supply chains.

Published: 2026-03-01 | DOI: N/A