Pomegranate: Postharvest Fungal Diseases and Control

Due to well-known nutraceutical properties, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation is recently increasing in various areas of the world including Italy. Fungal diseases are the major causes of postharvest yield and economic losses. Most of the fungi infect pomegranates in the field during the blooming stage remaining latent until fruit ripening, others infect fruit during harvest and postharvest handling through rind injuries. Main postharvest fungal diseases of pomegranates are gray and blue molds caused by Botrytis spp. and Penicillium spp., respectively, black heart and black spot due to Alternaria spp., anthracnose related to species ascribable to Colletotrichum genus, and Coniella rot, due to Coniella granati. Few fungicides are allowed for pre- and postharvest treatments, making it extremely difficult to control fungal infections. In this scenario, especially in organic fruit production, alternative control means may be a desirable solution to reduce pomegranate losses during the production chain. This chapter focuses on the most important postharvest diseases of pomegranates and possible strategies and means to reduce spoilage.