ABSTRACT
There is a diverse range of postharvest diseases of leafy vegetables caused by fungi and bacteria, which can result in significant economic damage. The development and expression of these postharvest diseases is generally a complex interaction of pathogen biology, host characteristics, environmental conditions, and time. Good pre- and postharvest practices (such as the judicious use of fungicides, use of the postharvest cool chain, sanitation, and adequate packaging to protect the leafy vegetables from physical damage) all reduce the potential infection and expression of these diseases. It is also important to recognize the potential of physiological disorders that are not caused by pathogens, which can result in postharvest losses and are often similar in appearance to postharvest diseases. These disorders are then sites for secondary infections and disease development. There are significant opportunities through targeted research and development to improve the management of postharvest diseases in leafy vegetables. Understanding the disease life cycle and identifying pre- and postharvest opportunities to reduce and manage infection and expression are key components to reduce postharvest diseases in leafy vegetables.
