Postharvest rots are more prevalent in fruits and vegetables that are bruised or otherwise damaged than in undamaged products. For instance, decay has been shown to be greater in bruised areas of apples than in unbruised areas. Mechanical damage also allows increased moisture loss. Skinned potatoes may lose three to four times as much weight as non-skinned potatoes. Postharvest disease management starts in the field and continues throughout harvesting, handling, and marketing.
Sanitation is critical because decayed debris is an excellent source of inoculation.
Harvesting buckets, packing lines, and storage areas should be frequently cleaned up and sanitized. No postharvest treatments or miracle chemical exist which can overcome inferior quality resulting from poor production practices or improper handling. Most fruit and vegetable postharvest losses can be related to improper, even abusive, postharvest handling practices. The key to damage reduction is simply TLC, tender loving care. Fresh commodities should be seen and not heard.