Chitosan Inhibiting the Growth of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Control of Postharvest Diseases of Fruits

The antimicrobial activity of chitosan and its application in postharvest decay control of fruits are reviewed. Chitosan as a broad spectrum fungicide can inhibit the phytopathogenic fungi at different stages of life cycle, including the formation, germination and germ tube elongation of spores and mycelial growth. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of chitosan can be influenced by its molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, concentration, pH value and the kind of solvent. The antimicrobial mechanism is not always well-known although the issues that chitosan could play its role in extra or intercellular have been reported. The efficacy of chitosan in fruit decay control maybe due to its antimicrobial performance, its role as an elicitor and regulator. And the synergetic effect of chitosan in combination with other methods can improve its application in horticultural commodities storage.