A number of alternative, less risky technologies have been studied
during the last two decades. Postharvest physical treatments
have proved their efficiency in controlling postharvest fruit decay.
Among them, heat treatments have been assayed in many fruit
and vegetables . They have been used to control insect
pests to avoid fruit decay caused by mold infection and to delay
ripening and fruit softening
losses caused by pests and infections. However, the use of chemicals
has been questioned mainly because of their potential risks
for human health and the environment