Editorial: Interplay Between Fungal Pathogens and Fruit Ripening

The fresh fruit industry relies on the capability of farmers and distributors to offer the best quality fruits to consumers, as consumers always choose fruits that look both attractive and delicious. However, if we want fruits to remain in a commercially good condition, preserving their appetizing and attractive appearance, and avoiding premature rot due to the infection of postharvest pathogens, it becomes mandatory to understand all possible aspects related to the mechanisms involved in such an unwanted and apparently unavoidable process. Using this conceptual frame, we envisioned the importance studying how postharvest pathogens attack fruits, how they grow, the pathogenic mechanism used, and the optimal or restrictive conditions provided by the fruit, and that which is required by microorganisms to exert their pathogenic effects.