Purpose of review: This review evaluates alternative disease control strategies to chemicals fungicides for the postharvest handling of pomegranate and the commercial feasibility of their application, and presents a perspective for new research areas. Findings: Postharvest disease management of pomegranate diseases is a relatively new subject, thus the studies are very new and in limited numbers. Many studies are focused on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage mainly to extend storage life of fruit and maintain quality; these also have a positive effect on the inhibition of pathogens during storage. MAP appears to be a good practical solution, which together with maintaining the cold chain and high humidity, has an effectiveness and feasibility comparable to CA. Limitations: The commercial uses of available alternative treatments to postharvest fungicides are very limited. Because of the lack of preventative activity, hot water treatment alone is not suitable for long-term storage and should be used in combination with other treatments. Wet postharvest applications to pomegranate have limitations due to the open flower structure of pomegranate fruit. When the flower parts of fruit become wet it stimulate fungal growth and, in some cases, causes fermentation within fruit. Directions for future research: As our knowledge about postharvest problems of pomegranate develops, postharvest handling strategies to reduce the incidence of postharvest diseases should include also preharvest control measures. There is a need for new and applicable studies in practice to control postharvest diseases of pomegranate. Integration of treatments having synergistic and complementary effects may also be considered. © 2015 SPS (UK) Ltd.