Neofabraea spp. causing Bull's Eye Rot in apple: a systematic literature review of epidemiology and control strategies

Bull's eye rot (BER), caused by species of the genus Neofabraea , is a major postharvest disease of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), responsible for significant losses during long-term storage due to its latent infection behaviour. This review synthesizes current knowledge on BER epidemiology, infection biology, and disease management, with emphasis on preharvest infection processes and their implications for postharvest control. An Advanced Literature Research was conducted following a systematic approach, covering studies published between 1984 and 2026. Searches in Scopus and CAB Abstracts yielded 563 records; after screening and eligibility assessment, 32 studies were included in the final analysis. The reviewed literature consistently indicates that BER primarily originates from latent infections established in the orchard, mainly through lenticels, with symptom expression occurring during storage. Infection timing varies widely, from early fruit development to the preharvest period, depending on climatic conditions and host susceptibility. Temperature (0–30 °C, optimum around 21.8 °C) and surface wetness (up to 72 h of continuous wetness) are confirmed as key drivers of infection, while recent studies highlight wind-related effects on lenticel hydration and fruit susceptibility. Variability among Neofabraea species, apple cultivars, and fruit maturity stages further complicates disease prediction. Management strategies have progressively shifted from sole reliance on fungicides toward integrated and sustainable approaches. Biological control agents, plant-derived compounds, and cultural practices show potential, although their efficacy remains strongly dependent on infection pressure and timing. Overall, this review highlights the need for mechanistic, multi-factorial approaches to improve risk assessment and sustainable management of BER in stored apples.