Applied research and extension on technological aspects of fruit handling related to the development of postharvest diseases in fresh fruits (citrus, stone fruits, table grapes, minor Mediterranean fruits such as persimmon, pomegranate, loquat, date, etc.). Physical, chemical and biological alternative treatments. Integrated disease management. Effect of antifungal postharvest treatments on storage potential, fruit quality and bioactive compounds.

Lluís Palou, Ph.D., received his M.S. in Agricultural Engineering and Plant Science as specialization field in 1995 (University of Lleida (UdL), Catalonia, Spain) and served as a doctorate student at the Pathology Unit, Postharvest Department, UdL-IRTA Center, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain from 1995 to 1999. He served from 1999 to 2003 as a Postgraduate Researcher at the Department of Pomology, University of California, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier, California, USA. He received his Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Engineering with major emphasis on Postharvest Plant Pathology in 2002 (UdL, Catalonia, Spain). Palou created in 2003 and is currently the responsible for the Pathology Laboratory at the Postharvest Technology Center (CTP), Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research (IVIA), Montcada, Valencia, Spain. His main research interests are applied research and extension on general postharvest pathology and technological aspects of fruit handling related to the development of postharvest diseases in fresh fruits of economic value in the Valencia area (Eastern Spain): citrus, stone fruits, table grapes, minor Mediterranean fruits such as pomegranate, persimmon, loquat, date, etc.); physical, chemical and biological alternatives to conventional fungicides for the control of major postharvest diseases of fresh fruit; integrated disease management; and effect of antifungal postharvest treatments on storage potential, fruit quality and bioactive compounds. To date, he has published more than 60 original research articles and 8 disease notes in JCR® journals (WOS h-index of 19), 14 book chapters or invited review articles, more than 50 extension or technical articles, and more than 100 congresses and symposia communications. He has directed and evaluated Spanish and international research projects, supervised 4 doctoral theses, and trained numerous undergraduate and graduate students.