Recent Advances in Understanding the Role of AP2/ERF Transcription Factors in Regulating Postharvest Diseases of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are susceptible to various physiological and infectious diseases during postharvest storage and transportation. These diseases can greatly shorten the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that the AP2/ERF (APETALA2/ethylene response factor) transcription factor superfamily plays an important role in the response of fruits and vegetables to various postharvest diseases. It can participate in regulating the growth and development of fruits and vegetables, and can also respond to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In order to clarify the regulatory role of AP2/ERF transcription factors in postharvest physiological and invasive diseases of fruits and vegetables, we herein summarize AP2/ERF transcription factors and their distribution and quantity in fruits and vegetables. Besides, we review their role and mechanisms in the response of fruits and vegetables to postharvest physiological and invasive diseases, and introduces recent progress in research on AP2/ERF transcription factors in fruits and vegetables such as banana, cucumber and pepper in response to postharvest diseases. This review is expected to provide more information for studying AP2/ERF transcription factors in other fruits and vegetables and for enhancing the resistance of postharvest fruits and vegetables to diseases through AP2/ERF transcription factors.