Molecules (Sep 2023)

Bacterial and Fungal Biocontrol Agents for Plant Disease Protection: Journey from Lab to Field, Current Status, Challenges, and Global Perspectives

  • Muhammad Ayaz,
  • Cai-Hong Li,
  • Qurban Ali,
  • Wei Zhao,
  • Yuan-Kai Chi,
  • Muhammad Shafiq,
  • Farman Ali,
  • Xi-Yue Yu,
  • Qing Yu,
  • Jing-Tian Zhao,
  • Jing-Wen Yu,
  • Ren-De Qi,
  • Wen-Kun Huang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186735
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 18
p. 6735

Abstract

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Plants are constantly exposed to various phytopathogens such as fungi, Oomycetes, nematodes, bacteria, and viruses. These pathogens can significantly reduce the productivity of important crops worldwide, with annual crop yield losses ranging from 20% to 40% caused by various pathogenic diseases. While the use of chemical pesticides has been effective at controlling multiple diseases in major crops, excessive use of synthetic chemicals has detrimental effects on the environment and human health, which discourages pesticide application in the agriculture sector. As a result, researchers worldwide have shifted their focus towards alternative eco-friendly strategies to prevent plant diseases. Biocontrol of phytopathogens is a less toxic and safer method that reduces the severity of various crop diseases. A variety of biological control agents (BCAs) are available for use, but further research is needed to identify potential microbes and their natural products with a broad-spectrum antagonistic activity to control crop diseases. This review aims to highlight the importance of biocontrol strategies for managing crop diseases. Furthermore, the role of beneficial microbes in controlling plant diseases and the current status of their biocontrol mechanisms will be summarized. The review will also cover the challenges and the need for the future development of biocontrol methods to ensure efficient crop disease management for sustainable agriculture.

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