ECOGUARD: A Biocontrol Treatment for Tomato Fruit Rot (Pectobacterium carotovorum) Using Chitosan‑Derived Hydrogen Peroxide and Calcium Carbonate

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is susceptible to bacterial soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum, which rapidly degrades tissue and causes substantial postharvest losses. Traditional chemical controls often lead to environmental contamination and consumer concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. ECOGUARD, a biocontrol formulation combining chitosan‑derived hydrogen peroxide and calcium carbonate, was developed to address these issues by leveraging natural antimicrobial and structural reinforcement mechanisms. Chitosan can form edible coatings that help reduce weight loss and maintain firmness, while calcium salts have been reported to improve fruit quality attributes and strengthen cell walls.