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In recent years, the production and demand of berries in the world have gradually increased, but the infection of fungal pathogens has become one of the important factors restricting the production and sales of fresh berries. It has been found that Alternaria can cause a variety of plant diseases and fruit rot worldwide. This review introduces the effect of Alternaria infection on berry quality, including physical, chemical and physiological aspects, and discusses the possible infection mechanisms. In addition, Alternaria produces toxins during infections and seriously threatens the safety of berries and consumer health. Therefore, the prevention and control measures of Alternaria are systematically summarized. This review provides the basis for further optimization of postharvest preservation technology and fruit quality, to prolong the shelf life of berries. We can realistically expect to control plant diseases with increasing efficiency, which is conducive to improving the quality and safety of postharvest berry fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Understanding the distribution patterns and transport mechanisms of carotenoids in berries. • Uncovering the potential benefits of carotenoids in berries for human health. • Emphasizing the effects of non-thermal processing techniques on the carotenoid content of berries. • Promoting the selection and cultivation of berries rich in carotenoids. Carotenoids play a crucial role in determining the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables, offering numerous health benefits to humans. Notably, among berry fruits, such as grapes, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and figs, the composition of carotenoids can vary significantly across different fruit species, as well as within species. The intricate process of carotenoid biosynthesis is influenced and regulated by genes related to biosynthesis and degradation, post-transcriptional and library-derived regulation, transcription factors, and environmental factors. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on berry carotenoids, including their physiological benefits, synthesis, transport, transcriptional regulation, and the influencing factors. The aim is to provide a reference for further studies on carotenoid biosynthesis, accumulation, and metabolism, as well as to aid in the selection and cultivation of carotenoid-rich berries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]