Introduction and multiplex management strategies of postharvest fungal diseases of kiwifruit: A review

Kiwifruit is well-known for its high nutritional content and recognized economic value. The cultivation of kiwifruit has increased worldwide and acreage devoted to kiwifruit production has been steadily increasing. Unfortunately, postharvest fungal rots of kiwifruit are a major constraint and have been responsible for severe losses during storage, transport, and local sales. Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Diaporthe spp., Nigrospora oryzae, and Trichothecium roseum are all major pathogens of kiwifruit that cause rots and in general, decrease the quality of kiwifruit. B. cinerea is currently the most predominant and serious reported pathogen. In this review, mechanisms responsible for pathogenicity and virulence of kiwifruit pathogens are presented and discussed. Recent progress in the management of postharvest rot of kiwifruit, including biological control, physical control, the use of natural compounds and nanotechnology, is also reviewed. We propose that the growing knowledge of the interactions that occur in the fruit microbial community will provide new insights into biological control strategies, biocontrol products, postharvest biology and nanopesticides. These new findings can potentially be used to manage postharvest diseases and preserve the quality of kiwifruit, and other types of fruit.