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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Antifungal peptides: A new approach to alternative postharvest fruit systems

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12314
Submitted
16 October 2025
Published
02-07-2026 — Updated on 09-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

The search for sustainable, safe and effective alternatives for plant pathogen control has driven interest in the use of antimicrobial peptides. These short, bioactive molecules, characterised by high structural diversity and multiple mechanisms of action, have demonstrated efficacy against various plant pathogens and display a broad antimicrobial spectrum. This review offers a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature related to the postharvest application of antifungal peptides, highlighting an increase in research from 2001–2025. It also examines the structural and functional classification, peptide synthesis and advantages of antimicrobial agents. Overall, antifungal peptides represent a promising tool for integrated postharvest disease management, adhering to the principles of food safety, sustainability and zero waste.

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