Targeted pesticide design protocol for postharvest spoilage control
A research-driven framework for designing tailored pesticide formulations to prevent postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables. Combines molecular biology insights into pathogen biology with pesticide mode-of-action analysis to create application protocols matched to specific products and conditions.
Overview
Postharvest losses remain a major challenge for fresh produce supply chains, and effective control requires more than generic pesticide application. This research program proposes a systematic protocol for designing and selecting pesticide formulations tailored to the biochemistry, physiology, and defense mechanisms of target microorganisms, the host plant, and the specific conditions under which produce is handled. By linking pathogen genomics and metabolism with pesticide mode-of-action knowledge, the work aims to deliver a decision framework that guides the choice of active ingredients, doses, application methods, and environmental parameters to minimize spoilage.
Technical specifications
Core approach:
- Characterizes the biology, physiology, metabolism, and biochemistry of spoilage microorganisms alongside the native microbiota of each produce type
- Maps pesticide modes of action, including effects on membrane permeability, DNA integrity, transport phenomena, and oxidative cellular components
- Reviews commercial pesticides to identify their targets, pathways, and recommended conditions for efficacy
- Selects the most efficient actives and designs combination formulations that act under varied conditions including pH, temperature, redox potential, and relative humidity
- Applies molecular biology tools to characterize strains of priority diseases such as anthracnose, gray mold, fusarium, phytophthora, and penicillium, identifying invasion genes and mechanisms to reveal new control targets
- Considers application methods including gas, immersion, and spraying protocols
Technology readiness level
The work builds on existing studies demonstrating pesticide efficacy against major postharvest pathogens and leverages established advances in molecular biology for strain identification. The program is currently at the early research and protocol-design stage, with future validation focused on reviewing market pesticides, selecting efficient candidates, and characterizing three or more high-impact postharvest diseases to inform a combined formulation and application protocol.
About Agrosavia
AGROSAVIA is Colombia’s public agricultural R&D corporation near Bogotá, operating a nationwide network of research centers and experimental farms. Co-located labs, greenhouses, pilot plots and living collections—including national germplasm banks—enable rapid prototyping and access to diverse genetic resources. An outreach and innovation network links companies and producer groups to multi-site trials and farmer engagement across varied agroecological zones. Research is backed by the Government of Colombia—principally the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development—with competitive national and international funding, and a technology transfer function to structure collaboration and IP.
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