Fungal postharvest pathogens of apple in a climate change scenario: PRediction models, Epidemiological studies and sustainable control STrategies (PREST.APPLES)

Apple, a globally important fruit crop, is widely cultivated in northern Italy and highly valued by consumers. Postharvest diseases, such as bull’s eye rot (Neofabraea vagabunda) and white haze (Tilletiopsis-like basidiomycetes), cause significant economic losses during storage. These pathogens often remain latent on symptomless fruits, causing decay after months of storage. The PREST.APPLES project aims to characterize the epidemiology of these pathogens and develop sustainable strategies to minimize food losses. By investigating the infection processes and host-pathogen interactions, the project supports the development of predictive models and biological tools for sustainable disease management, ensuring effective control of latent postharvest diseases.