Researchers tested essential oils from two Chilean herbs, Aloysia citriodora and Aloysia polystachya, against fungi that cause fruit rot after harvest. They found that oil from Aloysia citriodora, especially a compound called farnesol, effectively killed the disease-causing fungi in laboratory tests. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides that are becoming less effective and harmful to the environment, offering farmers a safer way to protect their fruit during storage and transport.