Harvest to consumer
Pathogens and physiological disorders continue after harvest. Soft rots, gray mold (Botrytis), and anthracnose affect fruits during storage and transport.
Factors that accelerate decay
- Mechanical injury during harvest
- High humidity without ventilation
- Ethylene from neighboring rotting produce
- Chilling injury on sensitive tropical fruits
Best practices
Cool product quickly (hydrocooling), maintain cold chain, use fungicide dips where permitted, and inspect culls before packing lines spread spores.