Florida's climate favors the development of various bacteria and fungi which cause postharvest diseases of fresh produce. However, recent surveys of fresh fruits and vegetables marketed in the Greater New York area show fewer losses recorded for Florida produce than for similar products from Mexico and California. In spite of the high quality of Florida produce, losses for certain crops may still be extensive. For example: nearly 18% of all fresh tomato fruit shipped to the NY area from Florida is lost either at the wholesale, retail, or consumer level. A slightly lower 14.4% of all bell peppers shipped from Florida are wasted each year. Nearly S 3 5 million worth of citrus $10% of citrus packed in Florida were lost to postharvest decay and physiological injuries.

Postharvest Diseases Faculty Jerry Bartz