Crops

Drought, high temperature, salinity, waterlogging, and nutrient deficiency, along with metal toxicity, are among the environmental factors that have resulted in much alteration of many ecosystems by climate change. Such stresses have dramatically lowered the global average human harvest of core crops, which, in turn, has driven an overall decrease in worldwide agricultural productivity. Plants have developed a variety of defense strategies against biotic and abiotic stress. Evidence of the successful roles of phytohormone-like neurotransmitters in ameliorating the response to stress has already been established. One neurotransmitter accumulated by the plants is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid that is essential for signaling in plant growth regulation and development via the control of physiological and biochemical processes. Plant tissues demonstrate rapid accumulation of GABA when exposed to various abiotic stresses. Consequently, it is imperative to understand how this accumulation affects the resistance and productivity of crops in challenging environmental conditions. Previously, different application methods and doses of GABA on different plant species were used under various abiotic stress conditions. The research findings exhibited that the method and concentration of GABA depend on the type of crop. Furthermore, the GABA dose depends on the methods of GABA application. The present review summarizes the potential doses and methods of applications of GABA under different abiotic stress conditions to ameliorate deficiencies in plant growth, yield, and stress tolerance through the avoidance of oxidative damage and maintenance of cell organelle structures. This review will also describe the complex mechanism by which GABA contributes to the attenuation of the effects of abiotic stresses by regulating some important physiological, molecular, and biochemical processes in crops. Full article

Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO), caused by the vascular soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is one of the most devastating diseases of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean area. The adoption of tolerant genotypes is considered an efficient strategy to reduce its impact in the absence of effective chemical control. In the present study we assessed the response of seventy-seven olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.) to the defoliating pathotype of V. dahliae under controlled inoculation conditions. Five plants per cultivar were inoculated and compared with non-inoculated controls. Disease progression was monitored weekly for ten weeks and measured through three complementary parameters: Relative Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (RAUDPC), Final Mean Severity (FMS), and Percentage of Dead Plants (PDP). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD, correlation evaluation, and principal component analysis (PCA), were applied to classify cultivars into five susceptibility classes. Notable variability was observed among cultivars, with 7.8% classified as Highly Resistant (HR), 24.7% as Resistant (R), 46.8% as Moderately Susceptible (MS), and 20.8% as Susceptible (S) or Extremely susceptible (E). The cultivar Ghiacciolo showed the highest level of tolerance, displaying only slight symptoms and no statistically significant difference from the non-inoculated control, whereas ‘Carbuncion’, ‘Giogolino’, and ‘Pampagliosa’ exhibited more severe disease than the susceptible reference ‘Picual’. Strong correlations among RAUDPC, FMS, and PDP confirmed the consistency of the disease assessment framework, while PCA revealed distinct clustering patterns according to resistance level. Overall, these findings provide reliable evidence for the selection of olive cultivars suitable for areas vulnerable to V. dahliae. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important crops globally. However, its production faces significant challenges due to climate change, reduced arable land, and increased demand. In this context, the present study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) on technological advances in rice production in Latin America. Recognized scientific databases were consulted, and rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to synthesize current knowledge on the subject. The results show that the main innovations include genetically improving varieties with greater resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses; implementing advanced water management techniques, such as intermittent irrigation; and applying biofertilizers and organic amendments to improve soil fertility. Additionally, precision agriculture tools, such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence-based modeling, have optimized crop monitoring and input efficiency. Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia are the main generators of rice production technologies in the region. Despite the progress made, challenges remain regarding the adoption of these innovations by producers, highlighting the need for comprehensive policies to facilitate technology transfer. This review establishes a foundation for researchers and policymakers interested in the sustainable development of rice production in Latin America. Full article

The cherimoya is a plant resource of high genetic and economic value. However, in Ecuador, it remains poorly documented, particularly under the restrictive orographic and climatic conditions of the Andean region. The lack of information limits the use of native materials in breeding and conservation programs. Therefore, this study evaluated native cherimoya populations using standardized fruit quality descriptors to quantify existing variability and identify promising native morphotypes. Hierarchical clustering was used to identify groups with similar traits. PCA captured the characteristics of the fruits that contribute to variability, while the multi-character index determined the traits that contribute to fruit quality. Remarkable diversity in commercial attributes, including pulp yield, fruit weight, and sweetness–acidity balance, was identified. Clusters highlighted the morphotypes LMPB04, SUMB04, and PTA01, from Loja, Saraguro, and Paltas, respectively, as having the highest titratable acidity and fruit weight. In contrast, the multi-character index prioritized the pulp/seed and SS/TA ratio, identifying potential in EACAD01 and LYHA01 from Espíndola and Loja, respectively. These results demonstrated the existence of superior cherimoya individuals adapted to Andean conditions and provide a basis for developing high-quality, promising material that meets local and international market demands. Full article

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause yield losses in various crops worldwide. Damage due to PPNs can be severe, causing billions of dollars of crop losses across the globe annually. Information about PPNs occurrence in Mozambique is limited. Based on the literature, twenty-five genera of PPNs have been reported to affect several economically important crops, including root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.), Scutellonema spp., root-lesion nematodes (RLNs, Pratylenchus spp.), spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp.), and the dagger nematode (Xiphinema spp.), which are commonly associated with crops such as banana (Musa spp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), maize (Zea mays), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Dissemination of these nematodes is not yet fully understood, but the importation of plants, roots, rhizomes, and/or seeds likely contributes to the introduction and spread of PPNs. Although the implementation of PPN-mitigation strategies is crucial to crop production, their application is still limited in Mozambique, with quite a few reported uses of nematicides in the Manica and Maputo provinces. Therefore, adopting integrated management strategies that combine two or more practices, such as biological control, crop rotation, organic amendments, soil solarization, and, as a last resort, chemical nematicides, may be an option to effectively reduce the population of PPNs. This review gathers information on the occurrence and management of PPNs, as reported to date in Mozambique. Full article

This literature review systematizes current data on the development of triploid seedless hybrids in the Cucurbitaceae Juss family. The absence of seeds simplifies the consumption and industrial preparation of products from cucurbits. In addition, triploids showed larger plant habitus, field resistance to infections, extended shelf life, and higher fruit quality. Phenotypic differences in polyploids can stem from altered chromatin organization and gene regulation, as the nucleus must accommodate a doubled chromosome set. The triploid watermelon cultivation method developed in 1951 failed to gain traction among other crops in the gourd (Cucurbitaceae) family. The challenges of triploid seed production and use include the need for the development of tetraploid and diploid parental lines, as well as bypassing the problem of the low viability of tetraploid parent pollen and the issue of thick seed coats and underdeveloped embryos in triploids. The research findings presented in this review can be applied to the development of triploid seedless hybrids for other members of the Cucurbitaceae family. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, 2n = 4x = 36, AABB subgenomes) is a highly nutritious crop with the potential to diversify global diets and alleviate malnutrition. It is also adaptable for production in soils increasingly affected by salinization and water scarcity. Quinoa was domesticated and artificially selected as a crop within the Andes Mountains, the geographically isolated Mediterranean climate zone of coastal Chile, and along the northwestern fringe of the Argentine dry Pampas. In addition, there is now abundant information regarding the wild species that were its immediate ancestors and which should be viewed as its secondary and tertiary breeding gene pools. These same ancestors contributed to independent domestications of the other forms of “quinoa” in ancient Mesoamerica and eastern North America from a common AABB ancestor-species, C. berlandieri, known commonly as pitseed goosefoot (PG). This review explores the biogeography of the diploid and polyploid relatives of the AABB allotetraploid goosefoot complex (ATGC). The seven or more ecotypes of PG, including the South American taxon C. hircinum, or avian goosefoot (AG), contain broad genetic variability, and some can be used directly as crossing partners in making quinoa breeding populations. Of the extant diploid relatives, C. subglabrum (SMG) is most closely related to the original maternal subgenome A of PG, while C. suecicum (SWG) or C. ficifolium (FG) are most closely related to paternal subgenome B. These and the other AA and BB diploids are valuable model organisms for locating and modifying genes of interest and their expression, the ultimate goals being to increase quinoa’s yield potential, improve its nutritional attributes, explore value-adding industrial uses, and enhance quinoa’s already formidable mechanisms to resist environmental stresses. This review is an update on the current state of quinoa breeding, with an emphasis on the value of wild genetic resources for quinoa improvement. It provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature for scientists interested in adding quinoa to their breeding program. Full article

Food security is threatened in the semiarid region of Brazil, which is susceptible to climate change and has low-fertility soils degraded by inadequate agricultural practices. This study aimed to evaluate safflower’s adaptation to the region and the benefits to the soil and crop of applying biochar and wood vinegar (WV). Biochar, pure or WV-added (Wv-biochar), was applied to the soil at doses of 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 t ha⁻¹. Determinations performed in three harvests of safflower were plant height, number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum, mass of 1000 seeds, seed yield, and oil content. The maximum safflower yields (1818.52 kg ha⁻¹) and oil content (45.50%), and the average values of mass of 1000 seeds (35.55 g) were consistent with results reported in literature. Evidence of better performance of the variables under the effect of Wv-biochar than of pure biochar was observed, and, in general, the curves obtained showed quadratic behavior, with maximum values at intermediate doses. The seed yield and oil content achieved indicate that safflower is a promising crop for the region, particularly when more adapted genotypes and improved management practices are employed. The most pronounced effects on safflower production and oil content were observed at doses of 5 to 6 t ha⁻¹ of Biochar and Wv-biochar, which are economical and sustainable alternatives due to their use of organic waste and the benefits they provide for soil and food security. Full article

An ethnobotanical survey in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam identified four Elsholtzia species, E. blanda, E. ciliata, E. communis, and E. penduliflora, growing naturally above 1500 m and traditionally used by local ethnic communities to treat skin-related ailments. This study investigates their essential oil possible chemotypes, antimicrobial properties, and potential mechanisms of action through molecular docking. Essential oils obtained by steam distillation were analyzed using GC–MS. E. blanda (yield 1.17%) was characterized by high levels of 1,8-cineole (29.0%) and camphor (17.0%). E. ciliata (1.02%) represented a possible limonene-dominant chemotype (71.0%). E. communis (1.91%) contained an exceptionally high proportion of rosefuran oxide (86.2%), whereas E. penduliflora (0.91%) exhibited a pronounced 1,8-cineole chemotype (92.1%). All essential oils showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, with MIC values ranging from 0.4% to 3.2%. Except for E. ciliata against C. albicans, MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios ≤ 4 indicated predominantly bactericidal or fungicidal effects. Molecular docking further identified nine of twenty-eight detected constituents as strong binders to microbial target proteins. These findings expand current knowledge on possible chemotypic diversity within the genus, particularly the discovery of a high-altitude limonene chemotype in E. ciliata and the identification of E. penduliflora as a rich natural source of 1,8-cineole. The convergence of chemical, biological, and in silico evidence supports the ethnomedicinal relevance of Elsholtzia species and highlights their potential as candidates for developing natural antimicrobial agents. Full article

The Lagunera Region, located in northern Mexico, is home to the country’s most important dairy basin, situated in a semi-arid environment. In this region, forage corn (Zea mays L.) is the main input in dairy cattle feed. In this context, optimizing water use and nitrogen nutrition is a priority to ensure the sustainability of this activity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity and water use efficiency of forage corn under different humidity, nitrogen, and substrate type levels. A randomized block design with sub-subdivided plots was used. The larger plot contained two usable moisture levels (80 and 50%); the subplots were assigned according to three nitrogen levels: 13.6 (N1), 6.8 (N2), and control 0.35 (N3) NO₃ mmol·L⁻¹; the sub-subplots were assigned based on two substrates: sand and a mixture (MI) of sand, perlite, and peat moss. The results showed significant triple interactions (p < 0.05) in the root volume traits, where nitrogen played a determining role, as well as double interactions (Nutrition*Substrate) for all vegetative and radicle production variables and water use efficiency. Principal components analysis explained 91.4% of the total observed variation, where basal diameter had the vector with the highest load value. Cluster analysis identified that the main discriminant factor was nutrition. It is concluded that usable moisture levels up to 50% with 6.8 mmol·L⁻¹ of NO₃ show acceptable levels of vegetative production and root volume in forage corn. These results suggest the possibility of reducing water and nitrogen fertilizer consumption without compromising yield, with significant economic and environmental benefits for agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

The System of Rice Intensification which promotes agro-ecological practices like alternate wetting and drying (AWD) to enhance root growth and resource efficiency, relies on the genotypic capacity of rice varieties to undergo physiological adaptation. This study elucidates the molecular basis of such adaptation by investigating the transcriptomic profile of four rice varieties to continuous flooding (CF) and AWD at 50 days after transplanting. Our analysis revealed distinct, organ-specific acclimation strategies. Roots underwent extensive transcriptional reprogramming, underscoring their role as the primary site of plasticity. Under CF, a conserved response involving cell wall reinforcement was accompanied by variety-specific strategies, ranging from sustained growth to enhanced anaerobic metabolism. Under AWD, roots shifted toward water stress management, with varieties employing distinct defensive (e.g., diterpenoid biosynthesis) and metabolic programs. Associated transcription factors (TFs) enriched under CF included Dof and MYB, whereas bZIP, HSF, and WRKY factors predominated under AWD. In leaves, acclimation to AWD involved more targeted adjustments, including modulation of nitric oxide signaling and photoprotective pathways, regulated by TFs such as WRKY, NAC, and HSF. Varieties with robust TF responses, such as IR64 and Hitachi hatamochi, showed comprehensive regulatory shifts, while others exhibited more constrained profiles. Overall, this study provides a molecular framework for understanding variety-specific adaptation to SRI-relevant water management practices and identifies key TFs as promising candidates for breeding climate-resilient rice. Full article

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. subsp. culinaris) is a Mediterranean legume crop of high value due to nutritional quality and adaptability; however, its cultivation is increasingly threatened due to climate uncertainty and reduction in genetic diversity in modern cultivars. The present research study evaluated 31 Greek lentil accessions (twenty-two landraces and nine commercial cultivars of both small and large seed types) in a semi-arid environment of Central Greece, over two cropping seasons, focusing on phenological, morphological, yield, and quality traits. The great diversity observed at the morpho-phenological and qualitative levels implies the high genotypic diversity of these genetic resources. Small-seeded landraces performed better in seed and biological yield, harvest index, and protein content, having greater phenological stability and tolerance to the Mediterranean environments. In particular, the highest seed yield was observed in LAX small-seeded landrace (1930 kg ha⁻¹), followed by TSO (1559 kg ha⁻¹), DIG (1449 kg ha⁻¹), and EGL (1437 kg ha⁻¹) small-seeded landraces. As for the regression analysis, seed yield was positively correlated with days to flowering (TF: r = 0.076, p < 0.01), plant height (PH: r = 0.143, p < 0.05), number of pods per plant (NPP: r = 0.941, p < 0.001), number of seeds per pod (NPP: r = 0.432, p < 0.001), number of branches (NPB: r = 0.234, p < 0.01), biological yield (BY: r = 0.683, p < 0.001), and harvest index (HI: r = 0.650, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis (PCA) distinguished small-seeded landraces associated with adaptive and yield traits from large-seeded cultivars associated with seed size. Greek lentil landraces, especially the small-seeded genotypes (e.g., LAX and DIG), have great potential for use in the development of climate-tolerant and high-yielding lentil varieties adapted for sustainable Mediterranean production. Breeding programs can target the crossing of landraces with large-seeded cultivars (e.g., IKAm and THEm) to develop varieties that combine stress tolerance, adaptation, and high productivity with adaptation to different seed sizes. Subsequent studies on drought tolerance and heat resistance are still important for continued improvement in lentil productivity in a changing climate. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of eight maize hybrids under different plant densities for grain yield in the North and Northwest regions of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Maize productivity is strongly influenced by planting density, which affects light interception, resource competition, and grain yield. Understanding the optimal density for specific hybrids is essential to maximizing production under varying environmental conditions. The hybrids were evaluated in two locations (Campos dos Goytacazes and Itaocara) using four plant densities (50,000; 66,667; 83,333; and 100,000 plants ha⁻¹). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications in a split-plot arrangement. Traits evaluated included plant height, ear height, ear length and diameter, 100-grain weight, and grain yield. Planting density significantly affected ear length, ear diameter, 100-grain weight, and grain yield, with higher densities generally reducing morphological traits but increasing overall yield. No significant genotype × density interaction was detected, but some hybrids, such as UENF 506-16 and UENF 506-11, performed better at specific densities, standing out for productivity and economic return. These results indicate that increasing plant density can be an effective strategy for maximizing maize yield in the studied environments. Full article

Cold stress during early growth can severely impact nodulation, growth, and yield in legumes. This study evaluated cold plasma (CP) seed treatment as a strategy to enhance growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) under cold stress during early growth. CP-treated and non-treated seeds were grown at 8 °C (cold) or 15 °C (control) for 5 weeks, after which half of the plants were harvested for nodulation and growth assessments. The remainder were transferred to greenhouse conditions until maturity. The cold stress suppressed nodulation and reduced biomass in both legumes. Soybean recovered under greenhouse conditions; however, pea yield remained suppressed. At maturity, SNF traits in both legumes were not significantly affected by early cold stress. CP seed treatment showed little effect under severe cold (8 °C) but at 15 °C, improved root growth in pea and enhanced root and shoot biomass and pod and seed yield in soybean. These findings suggest that CP seed treatment can improve legume performance under moderate cold. However, the current CP seed treatment conditions did not improve the stress resistance of both crops under severe cold stress. Full article

Vicia faba is an agriculturally and nutritionally important legume whose growth and productivity are strongly influenced by biotic stress factors. Understanding the mechanisms by which plants respond to stress is therefore essential for improving agricultural productivity and enabling the selection of stress-tolerant cultivars. This study evaluated whether biochemical and physiological parameters can serve as early indicators of stress induced by Aphis fabae infestation in young V. faba plants. Plants were exposed to two levels of aphid infestation (low- and high-stress) and compared with aphid-free controls. Low stress caused minimal alterations in antioxidant responses: catalase (CAT) activity increased by 9.9%, glutathione (GSH) content by 20%, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased by 17.6% relative to controls. Under high stress, oxidative damage and antioxidant activation were pronounced, with CAT activity rising 2.4-fold, GSH content increasing 2.6-fold, and MDA accumulating 2.6-fold compared to control plants. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities increased under both stress levels, though without large differences, while nitrate reductase (NR) activity showed non-significant variation. Proline accumulation remained largely unchanged, showing only a slight 13–15% increase relative to controls. Photosynthetic pigment analysis revealed that low stress reduced contents of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, while increasing contents of chlorophyll b and carotenoids. Stress markedly altered pigment balance, yielding a 25.4% higher chlorophyll a/b ratio compared with control plants. The results indicate that V. faba plants can tolerate low-intensity aphid stress with minimal biochemical disturbance, whereas high infestation elicits strong oxidative stress and significant physiological changes. The measured biochemical markers, particularly CAT, MDA, and GSH, proved sensitive to early stress onset, offering valuable tools for early detection of biotic stress before visible symptoms appear. The research contributes to a better understanding of plant responses to stress, enables early detection of stress factors affecting plant physiology, facilitates the assessment of their adaptive potential, and may aid in the development of strategies to improve faba bean resistance to pest infestations. This research enhances understanding of V. faba stress responses, enabling early detection of stress factors and assessment of the plant’s adaptive potential. The insights gained may support the development of strategies to improve faba bean resistance to pest infestations and contribute to more sustainable agricultural productivity. Full article

Climate change and widespread micronutrient deficiencies threaten food security in the semi-arid tropics. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a climate-resilient “nutri-cereal” rich in calcium, zinc, iron and dietary fiber. Finger millet is a promising crop for addressing climate stress and nutrient deficiencies. However, it remains under-explored and relatively neglected in breeding and genetic improvement programs compared to major cereals. This review synthesizes recent biotechnological advances and outlines future directions for finger millet improvement. Foundational resources now include a chromosome-scale reference genome, expanding transcriptome, diverse global germplasm panels, and growing reports of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for key traits including yield, stress tolerance, blast resistance, and mineral contents. Tissue culture studies reported both somatic embryogenesis and direct regeneration. Stable genetic transformation has been achieved in finger millet via Agrobacterium-mediated methods, particularly using shoot apical meristem (SAM) and by biolistics (gene gun) methods. Genome editing has not yet been reported, but we propose a practical roadmap leveraging reported tissue culture genetic transformation protocols for applying the CRISPR/Cas system for trait improvements. Using new biotechnological methods, along with pangenome, speed breeding, and helpful microbiomes, will make finger millet a strong and reliable food source for the future. Full article

This study aimed to determine the optimal combination of forage grass and row spacing to maximize the balance between sorghum silage yield and quality in a simultaneous sowing system for integrated crop-livestock production. The experiment evaluated three cropping systems: biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in monoculture, and intercropped with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Zuri. These systems were tested under two row spacings: 45 cm and 90 cm. The field trial was conducted in Vicentina, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, using a randomized complete block design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with four replications. Dry matter production, fermentative parameters, and chemical composition were measured. The 45 cm spacing provided higher productivity (23.1 t/ha of TDMY), while the intercropping with Zuri grass showed lower levels of NDF (73.46%) and ADF (49.61%), indicating better nutritional quality. The silages exhibited ideal pH (4.0–4.1) and low levels of butyric acid (<0.33%), with higher total digestible nutrients (TDN) (54.33%) at the 90 cm spacing. The Sorghum + Zuri (ZS) intercropping at the narrower spacing (45 cm) is viable for quality silage production, showing a better balance between overall chemical quality and biomass production. Full article

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) represents a strategic crop for the Mediterranean basin and global semiarid regions, being the raw material for pasta and a key component of sustainable cereal production. Improving early vigor and canopy development is essential to enhance resource-use efficiency and yield stability under variable agronomic conditions. For these reasons, we report the application of a series of RGB-derived vegetation indices (VIs) from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) to evaluate their effectiveness in capturing canopy variation in the early growth stages in a large collection of durum wheat varieties and on their validation under different agronomic managements. Digital RGB images from seedling emergence to grain filling were taken in two field experiments, and RGB-based indices were calculated over four consecutive growing seasons. In the first experiment, 521 durum wheat varieties were evaluated, showing highly significant genotypic differences for all VIs (p < 0.001) and explaining up to 72% of the phenotypic variance at the end of tillering. In addition, TGI explained more variation than CSI when recorded at the end of the tillering stage. In the second experiment, two contrasting genotypes managed under two sowing rates and six nitrogen (N) treatments displayed a strong discriminating capacity of NGRDI and TGI for genotype and sowing density (η² = 0.50). These results highlight the potential use of RGB-derived VIs for high-throughput phenotypic selection of soil coverage ability in durum wheat, even under different agronomic conditions. Full article

Postharvest fungal diseases represent a major constraint to the storage, transport, and marketability of peach (Prunus persica) fruits. Pathogens such as Monilinia spp. (Brown rot), Penicillium expansum (Blue rot), Rhizopus stolonifera (Soft rot), Botrytis cinerea (Gray rot), and Geotrichum candidum (Acid rot) cause significant economic losses globally. Traditional control methods primarily rely on chemical fungicides, which are increasingly challenged by issues of resistance development, consumer health concerns, and regulatory restrictions. This review critically synthesizes the biology, infection mechanisms, and optimal environmental conditions of key fungal pathogens affecting postharvest peaches. It further evaluates the current landscape of chemical, physical, and biological control methods, emphasizing novel approaches including essential oils, microbial antagonists, induced resistance, and eco-friendly sanitizers. Comparative efficacy, sustainability, and practical implementation of these strategies are discussed. Integrated management approaches that combine multiple interventions under low-residue or residue-free systems are highlighted as the most promising direction. This review concludes that the future of peach postharvest protection lies in tailor-made, multi-faceted integrated programs that are both effective and environmentally sound. Full article