Should the biofilm mode of life be taken into consideration for microbial biocontrol agents?

Author: mycolabadmin
2017-02-16
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Summary

This research examines how beneficial microorganisms that protect crops form organized communities called biofilms on plant surfaces. Understanding these biofilms is crucial for developing better natural alternatives to chemical pesticides in agriculture. The study shows that when microorganisms live in biofilms, they are better at protecting plants from diseases and promoting plant growth. Impacts on everyday life: • Safer food production through reduced chemical pesticide use • More sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices • Better crop yields and food security • Improved understanding of natural plant protection methods • Development of more effective biological crop protection products

Background

Almost one-third of crop yields are lost annually due to microbial alterations and diseases. The main control strategy has been extensive use of chemical pesticides, which has led to environmental pollution and human health issues. Microbial biocontrol agents have emerged as an alternative, but their mechanisms need better understanding. The biofilm mode of life, where microorganisms form spatially organized communities on surfaces, may play a key role in bioprotection but has been understudied in this context.

Objective

To review and analyze evidence of biofilm formation by biocontrol agents on crops and discuss how this surface-associated mode of life may influence their biology, interactions with other microorganisms and hosts, and their overall beneficial activity in crop protection.

Results

The review found that many biocontrol agents can form biofilms on crops and in the rhizosphere, with formation often stimulated by plant root exudates or environmental stress. Biofilm-specific properties like spatial organization, enhanced antimicrobial production, stress tolerance, and interspecies communication were identified as potentially important mechanisms. The extracellular matrix provides protection and can concentrate beneficial compounds. Biofilms also enable direct crop responses through induced disease resistance and growth promotion.

Conclusion

The biofilm mode of life should be considered when evaluating biocontrol agents, as increasing evidence shows that spatial organization of microbial communities on crop surfaces drives important bioprotection mechanisms. Understanding biofilm formation could lead to better selection criteria for biocontrol agents and improved formulation strategies to enhance their beneficial effects.

Published in:Microbial Biotechnology,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1111/1751-7915.12693