Mucorales

Mucorales is an order of fungi, specifically zygomycetes, that act as significant pathogens causing post-harvest decay, commonly referred to as "mucor rot" or "pin mold." These fungi are ubiquitous in the environment and primarily attack crops during storage, transport, and, under certain conditions, in the field.

A wide variety of agricultural crops are susceptible to these fungi, including vegetables, fruits, root crops, and stored grains. Key targets for Mucorales infection include tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, and onions, where the fungus quickly compromises the integrity of the plant tissues.

The primary clinical sign of the disease is the development of thick, cottony, white or greyish-white mycelium that eventually darkens as sporulation occurs. Infected tissues show signs of rapid water-soaked lesions, leading to a soft, mushy decay that often emits a pungent, musty odor, rendering the produce unmarketable.

The development and spread of Mucorales are heavily influenced by high environmental humidity and inadequate ventilation in storage facilities. The fungi easily exploit wounds on the surface of fruits and vegetables, which serve as entry points for the pathogen, particularly if the produce is harvested under wet conditions.

Effective management focuses on prevention rather than control. Essential strategies include:

• Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels in cold storage.
• Preventing mechanical injuries during the harvesting and handling processes.
• Sanitizing storage containers and facilities periodically to reduce spore load.
• Sorting produce carefully to remove damaged or potentially infected items before long-term storage.