Abstract:

Postharvest decay of fruits and vegetables is mainly caused by fungi. The pathogenicity of the fungi, host defense
responses and environmental conditions can affect decay severity of fruits and vegetables. Generally, under appropriate
environmental conditions, the pathogens multiply, secrete extracellular enzymes and produce toxins and hormones that cause
the decay of their host fruits and vegetables. Extracellular enzymes secreted by the fungi play the most important role in the
occurrence of postharvest diseases. This paper reviews the classification of extracellular enzymes produced pathogenic fungi
as well as the mechanism and influencing factors of their pathogenicity aiming to provide a theoretical basis for postharvest
disease control of fruits and vegetables.

Key words: extracellular enzyme, fungus, pathogenicity