Optimal distribution of fresh horticultural products entails prolonging their freshness and nutritional quality as long as possible after harvest. A major limitation to their marketing is decay after harvest, which is caused primarily by fungal pathogens. Postharvest Pathology of Fresh Horticultural Produce provides a comprehensive resource of information about the biology and control of postharvest diseases of many fresh horticultural products, citing sources from appropriate literature of any age, rather than only the most recent.
The etiology and symptoms of postharvest diseases and the biology of postharvest pathogens are reviewed by leading experts, who are familiar with many of world's most popular fresh fruits and vegetables and the diseases that affect them.
Key aspects related to infection and epidemiology, methods to minimize postharvest decay losses, including use of conventional fungicides and alternative management strategies, harvest and handling practices, and other aspects are described for the most significant temperate, subtropical, and tropical fruits as well as fruit-like vegetables and leafy vegetables.
Features:
- Provides comprehensive academic and practical reviews of postharvest diseases of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Discusses the economic importance, etiology, and epidemiology of the most significant postharvest diseases
- Includes quality color plates that allow the practical identification of disease symptoms
- Explains practical postharvest disease management actions, including the use of conventional fungicides and alternatives to their use
The authors summarize a massive quantity of published information, and often apply their own considerable practical experience to identify and interpret the most significant information. This book is a valuable and comprehensive resource for industry professionals, academics, educators, students, consultants, pest control advisors, regulatory personnel, and others interested in this subject.
About the Author: Prof. Lluís Palou completed a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering with major emphasis on Postharvest Plant Pathology in 2002 (University of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain). He created in 2003 the Pathology Laboratory at the Postharvest Technology Center (CTP), Valencian Institute of Agrarian Research (IVIA), Montcada, Valencia, Spain. Since 2017 he is a research professor and the head of the CTP. His main research interests are applied research and extension on general postharvest pathology of horticultural produce, mainly Mediterranean fruits such as citrus, stone fruits, pomegranate, or persimmon; integrated disease management; and alternatives to conventional fungicides. He has directed and evaluated Spanish and international research projects, supervised 4 doctoral theses, trained national and international students, and collaborated with research groups in USA, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Tunisia, or Australia. To date he has published over 75 peer-reviewed research articles (WOS h-index of 25), 16 book chapters or invited reviews, and 58 extension or technical articles.
Dr. Joseph L. Smilanick completed a Ph.D. in plant pathology in 1984 under the direction of Joseph W. Eckert in the Fawcett Postharvest Laboratory of the University of California, Riverside. He was a Research Plant Pathologist with the USDA ARS from 1983 to 2014. Located in Fresno and later in Parlier, California, his primary specialty has been the biology and control of postharvest plant pathogens of citrus fruit and table grapes, with a thorough understanding of the production and handling of these and other tree and vine crops. He authored or co-authored approximately 250 scientific and technical publications, many produced in collaboration with other scientists located in Israel, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Uruguay, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, or Mexico. Now a consultant, he currently reviews journal and book chapter manuscripts, manages commercial research projects, conducts crop loss investigations, presents educational seminars in shelf life and food safety, and consults on technical and regulatory issues.
