Bioassays and proteomics as early detection tools in postharvest management of table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) diseases – A Review

Postharvest diseases are a major concern to the table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) industry, leading to huge economic losses worldwide. Monitoring postharvest disease and early detection of fruit pathogens are crucial to mitigate disease infestation and facilitate effective management practices. Over the years, traditional visual scouting for symptoms combined with biochemical assays, serological tests and/or DNA-based approach have been useful tools in fruit disease diagnosis. However, these tools have drawbacks in accurately detecting diseases during asymptomatic stage. Hence, these methods are not the most effective for disease confirmation and pathogen identification. In contrast, proteomics could provided instantaneous results that can be used to identify asymptomatic disease stages on table grapes. Therefore, this review provides an overview on the postharvest disease causing pathogens and associated symptoms on table grapes. Prospects of using changes in biochemical assays and proteomics as early response signal in postharvest disease management were discussed. This article proposed the need for continued advancement in the development of conventional tools, with emphasized on combining these tools with more robust and responsive novel approaches for better early disease diagnostic strategies