Major diseases of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), their causes and management-A review

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) diseases often caused by a range of fungi and bacteria, pose direct significant financial, nutritional and postharvest loses along the value chain. Common postharvest pathogens of pomegranate fruit include Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria altemata, Penicillium implicatum, Coniella granati and Aspergillus niger. A major bacterial disease of pomegranate is bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas ctxanopodis pv. punicae. Field application of fungicides is necessary to control pathogens, which infect the fruit during developmental stages. Additionally, postharvest fungicides could be used to control localised infections in the fruit tissue or to prevent new infections during postharvest handling processes and storage. However, global trends towards reducing application of chemical fungicides are growing, with the demand for 'green' and cost effective strategies. This review discusses the details of various pomegranate postharvest diseases, symptoms and their causative microorganism. The importance and types of disease control and management strategies for pomegranate fruit and fruit tree are critically evaluated. This review will provide a critical guide to all the role players along the pomegranate value chain. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.