ABSTRACT
Globally, vegetable production has grown intensively, increasing by 60% over the last 20 years. This trend is particularly strong in developing countries (FAO 2010). The current world population is expected to reach 10.5 billion by 2050 (FAOSTAT 2013), further adding to global food security concerns. This increase translates into 33% more human to feed, with the greatest demand growth in the poor communities of the world. According to Alexandratos and Bruinsma (2012), food supplies would need to increase by 60% (estimated at 2005 food production levels) in order to meet the food demand in 2050. Food availability and accessibility can be increased by increasing production, improving distribution, and reducing the crop losses caused by several microorganisms (Regmi et al. 2001).
