Securing fruit production: Opportunities from the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of postharvest fungal infections

Fruit-based diets have been adopted by the public worldwide because of their nutritional value. Many advances have also been made in the elucidation of host–pathogen interaction in the postharvest phase of fruits, in the hope of improving the management of diseases caused by pathogenic molds. In this study, we presented the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic mold infects fruit in the postharvest phase, and focused on the knowledge gained from recent molecular techniques such as differential analysis of gene expression, targeted insertion, and mutagenesis. Current postharvest pathogenic fungal control strategies were then examined on the basis of their mechanisms for altering the infection process in order to explore new perspectives for securing fruit production. We found that biotechnological advances have led to an understanding of the new basic molecular processes involved in fruit fungal infection and to the identification of new genes, proteins and key factors that could serve as ideal targets for innovative antifungal strategies. In addition, the most commonly used steps to evaluate an approach to disrupt the fruit fungal infection process are mainly based on the inhibition of mycelial growth, spore germination, disruption of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, induction of oxidative stress, cell wall membrane damage, and inhibition of key enzymes. Finally, the alteration of the molecular mechanisms of signaling and response pathways to infection stimulation should also guide the development of effective control strategies to ensure fruit production.