MEDICINAL PLANT-DERIVED ANTIPATHOGENIC COMPOUNDS IN PHYTOPATHOGEN MANAGEMENT: MECHANISMS, APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The increasing incidence of fungal, bacterial and viral phytopathogens coupled with the growing resistance to conventional synthetic chemicals presents a serious risk to both environmental sustainability and global crop productivity. antipathogenic compounds shown promise as environmentally and friendly substitutes. However, their application in crop protection remains constrained by limiting their modes of action, lack of standardization and inconsistent field performance. The brief summary of plant-derived antipathogenic compounds and their functions in phytopathogen management is provide in this article. Numerous classes of biologically active metabolites like alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins and sulfur-containing compounds, were discussed in relation to their wide range of mechanism, such as membrane disruption, metabolic interference, suppression of pathogen development, and induction of host resistance. Recent advances in formulation strategies, particularly nano-based delivery systems and synergistic integration with biological control agents, are highlighted for improving stability, bioavailability, and efficacy. Key limitations, including variability in phytochemical composition and inadequate field validation, are critically examined. All things considered, this study offers a strategy framework to close the gap between field application and laboratory research, facilitating the creation of long-term, plant-based remedies for efficient phytopathogen control.