Controlling postharvest diseases of sweet cherry

Abstract

Purpose of review: Postharvest diseases limit the storage period and marketing life of sweet cherry and cause significant losses in some seasons. The purposes of this review are to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of actual control methods used in practice and compares them with the control methods that are still under investigation. Findings: The actual practices employed commercially against postharvest diseases of sweet cherry are to cool harvested fruit as quickly as possible after harvest and then store them in modified atmosphere bags. Alternative control methods under investigation are biological control by applying antagonist yeasts and bacteria, treatment with hot water and ethanol, inducing resistance by applying elicitors or UV irradiation and gamma irradiation, applying substances generally regarded as safe (GRAS), sterilising fruits with UV irradiation; and short hypobaric treatments. Directions for future research: Among alternative methods, the use of GRAS substances within hydrocoolers or hot water and ethanol treatments, alone or in combination, may offer a valid strategy compatible with the actual handling system used in sweet cherry storage. Future research should focus on alternative methods that may be used in combination with modified atmosphere packaging. © 2010 Stewart Postharvest Solutions (UK) Ltd.