Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Post-harvest rots of harvested fresh produce are caused by specialized necrotrophic fungal pathogens.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Rhizopus stolonifer (the common bread/fruit mould) is the primary causal agent of Rhizopus soft rot (leak) in strawberries, tomatoes, peaches, and sweet potatoes.
The fungus rapidly secretes powerful pectinolytic and macerating enzymes that dissolve the middle lamella, turning host tissues into a soft, mushy, watery decomposing mass covered with coarse whisker-like mycelia and black sporangia.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, Rhizopus stolonifer is the microorganism associated with soft rot.