Microbial and Biochemical Biopesticides for Postharvest Applications: A Patent Landscape Analysis

Abstract

Postharvest fruit losses and the global demand for safer, chemical-free foods have increased the urgency of developing sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Biopesticides play a key role in agroecological transitions, offering environmentally sound and residue-free solutions for postharvest disease management. Despite significant research advances, the global innovation landscape for postharvest biopesticides remains poorly understood (i.e., the geographic distribution, technological maturity, and institutional drivers of this innovation have not been systematically mapped), limiting large-scale adoption and policy integration. Understanding patent activity provides valuable insight into technological trends, innovation drivers, and regulatory barriers shaping the development of these green technologies. Here, we review the global patent landscape for postharvest biopesticides, based on 251 patent families retrieved from Espacenet and INPI databases without time restriction. The main points are as follows: (1) the innovation field is rapidly evolving and strongly driven by research institutions, with universities responsible for 59% of all filings; (2) China leads patenting activity (45%), followed by the United States, reflecting regional asymmetries in technological capacity; (3) microbial biopesticides dominate the landscape, particularly Bacillus spp., which account for 26% of all identified biocontrol agents; (4) the main target pathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and P. digitatum) are responsible for major postharvest losses in apples, tomatoes, and pears; and (5) integrated formulations combining microbial, biochemical, and chemical components represent 26% of filings, highlighting efforts to enhance product efficacy and stability through synergistic strategies. However, large-scale adoption remains limited by regulatory complexity, short shelf life, inconsistent field performance, and weak technology transfer from academia to industry. This review provides strategic insights to strengthen innovation ecosystems, align regulatory frameworks, and accelerate the transition toward safer and more sustainable postharvest biocontrol practices.