Upcycling agricultural byproducts: Peach Peel Extract provides dual action protection against rice root-knot nematodes

• Peach peel extract has a dual-action effect against rice nematodes. • It induces systemic resistance via the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway. • Multi-omics links PPE to ROS, JA, and phenylpropanoid activation. • Demonstrates upcycling of agri-waste into a potent bioprotectant. Bioprotectants represent promising alternatives to chemical pesticides for sustainable agriculture. This study explores the bioprotective potential of extracts derived from agricultural byproducts of three Rosaceae family members, with particular focus on Peach Peel Extract (PPE). Results from this study demonstrate that PPE serves as an effective bioprotectant against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola in rice through a sophisticated dual-action mechanism. The extract exhibits direct nematicidal activity against second-stage juveniles while simultaneously triggering systemic induction of plant immune pathways when applied as a foliar spray. This induced resistance phenotype is characterized by elevated phenolic and flavonoid levels and a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst in local tissues, resulting in a systemic effect associated with significant reductions in gall formation, total nematode populations, and egg-laying females in rice roots. Through integrated phytohormone analysis, transcriptome profiling, and mutant studies, we identified the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway as essential for the induced resistance response. Multi-omics profiling revealed coordinated upregulation of JA and ROS signaling pathways alongside secondary metabolite biosynthesis, resulting in accumulation of key defense compounds including isothiocyanates, resveratrol, azelaic acid, and diterpene glycosides. These findings validate PPE as an effective bioprotectant and demonstrate the potential for transforming agricultural byproducts into sustainable crop protection solutions.