The efficacy of an ethanolic extract from pomegranate peel was evaluated against postharvest rots of lemons and sweet cherries. On artificially inoculated lemons, both Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum were completely inhibited by preventive treatments (extract applied before pathogens) even when the extract was highly diluted (100 times). Significant reductions were also obtained with the extract diluted 1000 times. Interestingly, a high level of protection was also obtained with diluted and undiluted extract in curative treatments i.e. by inoculating the pathogen 1, 12 or 24 hours before the extract. Furthermore, the extract induced resistance in treated lemon tissues since rots were significantly reduced when extract and pathogens were applied in spatially separated wounds. In semi-commercial trials conducted by dipping sweet cherries, cv Bigarreau moreau and Giorgia, in diluted solutions of the extract (1:10, 1:50 and 1:100) a high efficacy against natural rots (mainly caused by Monilinia laxa and Botrytis cinerea) was revealed after 15 days of storage and 5 days of shelf-life. In particular, the development of rots was completely inhibited on sweet cherries of cv Giorgia dipped in the ten-time diluted extract. Data suggest pomegranate peel extract as a powerful natural compound to control postharvest rots. Important features are its mechanism of action (a direct action against the pathogen and the induction of resistance in the host), the ability to penetrate host tissues and block already established infections (curative effect) and the high level of protection in semi-commercial conditions against natural infections.