Inhibitory effect of cinnamaldehyde on Fusarium solani and its application in postharvest preservation of sweet potato

•Cinnamaldehyde (CA) exhibited antifungal effect on Fusarium solani.•CA disrupted mitochondrial function and induced ROS accumulation.•ROS peroxidized mitochondrial cardiolipin and initiated apoptosis in F. solani.•CA holds promise as a preservative for postharvest storage of sweet potato.