**4. Plant essential oils**

Fungicidal action of various plant EO's have been widely examined under various environmental conditions [15, 16]. Essential oils such as fenugreek, eucalyptus, turmeric, lime, thyme, fennel, clove, sage and peppermint are reported for their suppressive effect against postharvest fungal peach fruit rots [17]. Different techniques to apply essential oils against these decaying rots have been reported including; dipping, *in situ* uses and spraying however, there are several interests above potential sensory contamination concerns [18].

Use of synthetic fungicides as a chemical control is widely applied and highly effective method after harvesting fruits and vegetables [12]. However, it is pertinent to mention that fungicides have toxicological risks effecting environment and human health. World is moving towards trend of minimizing abundant use of synthetic chemicals in agricultural products [13]. Long term extensive practices of chemical fungicides may result in pathogen resistance, leading to severe conservational pollution posing hazardous effects on health [14].

An excessive concern regarding essential oils and plant extracts application as a promising biological substitute of conservative synthetic fungicides is raised. This may be credited to environmental effluence and fungicide challenge in postharvest phytopathogenic rots [19]. Applications of plant EO boons an alternate eco-friendly strategy against postharvest fungal rots of fruits besides vegetable [20]. The biotic action of plant EO's as antifungal and antimicrobial agents is in debate. As a complex mix of various aromatic volatile compounds plant essential oils from numerous plant parts *viz.* leaves, flowers, cloves, rhizomes, buds, roots, etc. are consistently in practice against several postharvest fungal rots. Essential oils extracted from plants are widely in use due to their antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal, and cytotoxic properties [21]. Moreover, the eco-friendly use of plant essential oils is popular to increase the shelf life of food products, as consumers are always conscious about various health concerns raised by hazardous additives. Essential oils also symbolize a defense mechanism against postharvest rots owing to their antimicrobial characteristics [22].

Eco-friendly use of plant EO's against contagious pathogens present in many horticultural produces helps in analysis of positive outcomes towards efficient options regarding fruit protection. Plant essential oils from various natural herbs and plants possess strong antifungal characteristics, *in-vitro*, that it may be used as a natural and eco-friendly strategy against perishable fruits decaying [18]. Stone fruits are highly sensitive to fungal infections. Currently, the management of postharvest fruit rots with plant essential oils (EOs) has been considerably observed as an innovative trend in biological conservation.

Plant Essential oils (PEOs) as volatile liquids obtained by several extraction techniques from plants and herbs, hold plentiful natural bioactive compounds with anti-fungal characteristics. Several studies regarding fungicidal characteristics of plant essential oils against postharvest fungal rots were reported *viz. Penicillium* spp., *Fusarium* spp., *Cladosporium* spp., *Alternaria* spp., *Aspergillus* spp. and *Botrytis cinerea* [23–25].
