Biodegradable Coatings with Essential Oils for Combating Papaya Anthracnose: State of the Art and Perspectives

ABSTRACT Papaya ( Carica papaya L.) production and marketability are strongly constrained by postharvest diseases, with anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. representing the most significant threat. Traditional control relies on synthetic fungicides, which, although effective, face challenges such as the development of pathogen resistance, regulatory restrictions, and concerns regarding human and environmental health. In this context, biodegradable coatings enriched with essential oils have emerged as a promising alternative for mitigating disease impact and preserving fruit quality. Essential oils are complex plant‐derived mixtures rich in bioactive compounds with potent antimicrobial properties, capable of disrupting key structures and functions of fungal cells. When incorporated into edible coatings (particularly those based on chitosan) essential oils can sustain antifungal activity, reducing the incidence and severity of Colletotrichum infections in papaya. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the properties, mechanisms of action, and applications of essential oils in postharvest disease management, highlighting advances, challenges, and future perspectives for their integration into sustainable fruit protection strategies.