Cold Plasma Therapy an Alternative to Chemical Pesticides for Managing Post-Harvest Pest in Agriculture

Post-harvest losses due to infestation of insect pest and pathogens poses
a significant threat to agricultural food security. Although several
synthetic chemicals and preservatives are found effective but their toxic
residues may posses long term affect to the humans and ecosystem. Cold
plasma technology has emerged as an advance solution for managing
post-harvest losses and also have plant growth promoting activities. In is
a non-thermal plasma technology which generates reactive oxygen
species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that inactivates
pathogens and insect pest during storage conditions. Beside this, cold
plasma also enhances the seed germination, promotes plant growth and
extends shelf life of perishable food products. Owing to its high efficacy,
low environmental impact and multifunctional mode of action, cold
plasma represents a promising technology for sustainable post-harvest
pest management and future smart agricultural systems.