CURRENT STATUS OF PEACH LEAF CURL DISEASE IN PAKISTAN AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Peach leaf curl disease (PLCuD) is a devastating fungal disease that poses a significant threat to peach production globally, and its impact is also evident in Pakistan's fruit industry. The disease is caused by phyto-parasitic fungi from the Taphrinaceae family, primarily the genus Taphrina. Chemical fungicides are the most common method for controlling the disease; however, their use presents health and environmental concerns and can lead to resistance over time. As a result, alternative control strategies that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly are essential. Unfortunately, there is a significant gap in knowledge about PLCuD in Pakistan, and the actual cause of the disease remains unidentified, making management impossible. Therefore, discovering novel biological control methods is crucial to combat this disease effectively. Recent advances in biotechnology have shown promising results in developing biological control agents, such as microbial inoculants, bio-fungicides, and bio-pesticides. These agents can specifically target the fungi responsible for the disease, leading to more efficient and sustainable control measures. The review highlights the urgent need to develop sustainable and effective biological control methods to combat PLCuD in Pakistan and to provide innovative and eco-friendly solutions for managing this devastating disease and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the peach industry in Pakistan.