Biofertilizers are typically used to improve post-harvest soil fertility and encourage plant growth during the growing season as of my most recent knowledge update in September 2021. It is uncommon to apply them directly to crops in order to increase post-harvest shelf life. However, certain unintended consequences of applying biofertilizers to crops could indirectly increase post-harvest shelf life. Indirect effects of biofertilizers on the post-harvest shelf life include the following:
Improved crop health: By increasing nutrient uptake and stress tolerance during the growing season, biofertilizers, notably plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizal fungi, can increase crop health. Better physiological conditions are more likely to be present in healthy plants, which may result in longer post-harvest shelf lives.
Stress tolerance: Some biofertilizers, such as PGPR and mycorrhizal fungi, can promote systemic resistance in plants, increasing their tolerance to external shocks. Crops may be better able to withstand handling and storage conditions after harvest because to this enhanced tolerance.
Quality improvements: By increasing nutrient content and lowering the danger of nutritional deficiencies, biofertilizers can help produce crops of higher quality. Extended post-harvest shelf life may be possible for crops with greater nutritional quality and fewer nutrient-related illnesses.
Reduction of improve post-harvest losses: By promoting plant health and growth, biofertilizers may unintentionally aid in lowering post-harvest losses from illnesses or physical harm, resulting in improved crop storage and shelf life.
