Plant-Derived Antifungal Strategies in Crop Protection
Summary
Plant-derived antifungal strategies in crop protection harness a diversity of natural compounds to mitigate the impact of fungal pathogens on yield and quality. These approaches range from direct application of plant extracts rich in phenolics and flavonoids to the use of essential oils and organosulfur compounds that disrupt fungal cell membranes, inhibit enzymatic pathways or trigger host defence responses. Techniques include foliar sprays, soil amendments, biofumigation and post-harvest treatments, offering environmentally benign alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Advances in formulation and delivery, including encapsulation and nanoemulsions, have increased stability and efficacy under field conditions. Such strategies not only reduce chemical residues but also contribute to integrated pest management programmes, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security across diverse agro-ecological regions.
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Plant-Derived Antifungal Strategies in Crop Protection publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in plant-derived antifungal strategies in crop protection across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Essential oil: Volatile aromatic mixture extracted from plant tissues, often used for antimicrobial activity.
Organosulfur compound: Organic molecule containing sulphur, derived from plants such as Allium species, with broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects.
Biofumigation: Use of volatile plant-derived compounds in vapour phase to control pathogens in soil or stored produce.
Post-harvest treatment: Intervention applied to harvested crops to inhibit spoilage and extend shelf life.
References
- PTS and PTSO, two organosulfur compounds from onion by-products as a novel solution for plant disease and pest management. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture (2023).
- Efficacy of plant extracts in plant disease management. Agricultural Sciences (2012).
- Post-Harvest Enhancing and Botrytis cinerea Control of Strawberry Fruits Using Low Cost and Eco-Friendly Natural Oils. Agronomy (2021).
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