Postharvest Fungi: Control of Fungal Diseases in Fruit and Vegetables

Dear Colleagues,

Fungi-induced postharvest diseases are the principal causes of fruit and vegetable loss and waste. Infected harvests present a potential health risk, since some decaying fungi produce mycotoxins that are hazardous to human health. The spread of postharvest fungal pathogens and the emergence of diseases is facilitated by human practises and global trade. Therefore, the early detection and identification of harmful fungi is of maximum importance for reducing the associated agricultural losses. To prevent or reduce postharvest disease, synthetic fungicide is commonly applied. However, alternative strategies, including biological control, natural compounds, physical technologies or dsRNA application are emerging as novel, sustainable methods, differing from traditional chemical pesticides. In addition, the induction of host defences in fruits and vegetables by biotic and abiotic inducers confers protection toward a broad spectrum of postharvest rot pathogens, giving them a central role in integrated disease management strategies. It can thus be seen that the molecular basis underlying the induction of host defences is an important aspect in postharvest disease control.

To provide recent advances in postharvest disease control in fruit and vegetables, we encourage the submission of all related topics, in reviews, articles, or perspective formats, for publication in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Lucia Landi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.