Alternative technologies to control postharvest diseases of stone fruits

Purpose of review The aim of this review is to assemble the key information available to understand the pathology and to develop strategies (pre- and postharvest) to control the main postharvest diseases of stone fruits. Findings The bibliography presented in this review contains the most interesting research done in the last few years concerning the main postharvest diseases of stone fruit, and especially that caused by Monilinia spp. Recent studies of the epidemiology of this pathogen and the disease it causes in the field have revealed essential aspects of its behavior that facilitate the design of effective preharvest disease management strategies. Moreover, there is a large volume of recent studies about a wide range of strategies to control brown rot after harvest that include Chemical control methods including food additives, natural compounds and natural edible coatings; biological control; and physical treatments. Directions for future research Although a large number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of alternative postharvest treatments, only few of them are currently applied under commercial conditions. Some others, although developed and intended for near future commercial application, have limitations such as economic cost, delays due to registration issues, or reduced efficacy compared to conventional fungicides. Research is needed to resolve these obstacles to make all these strategies available in a near future.