Eco-Smart Biocontrol Strategies Utilizing Potent Microbes for Sustainable Management of Phytopathogenic Diseases

Author: mycolabadmin
2024-09-10
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Summary

This research explores natural and environmentally friendly ways to protect plants from diseases using beneficial microorganisms instead of harmful chemical pesticides. These biological control methods are safer for the environment and human health while being effective at controlling plant diseases. Impacts on everyday life: • Safer food production with fewer chemical residues on fruits and vegetables • More sustainable farming practices that protect soil health and biodiversity • Reduced environmental pollution from agricultural chemicals • Lower risk of developing antibiotic-resistant plant diseases • Potential for lower food costs due to more efficient crop protection methods

Background

Plant diseases significantly impact the global economy, affecting approximately 25% of the world’s plant crops annually due to insufficient controls. Plants are crucial sources of macro- and micronutrients for human and animal health, and are widely used in food and medical industries. The rise in microbial diseases has put plant health and yield at risk, necessitating alternative control strategies.

Objective

This review aims to discuss the potential applications of recently discovered microorganisms as biocontrol agents, examining their safety, effectiveness, and environmental impact in fighting plant diseases. The study focuses on evaluating various biocontrol strategies including bacterial, fungal, and bacteriophage-based approaches for sustainable management of phytopathogenic diseases.

Results

The review found that biocontrol agents effectively enhance indigenous microbiomes and reduce various plant diseases including bacterial wilt, brown blotch, fire blight, and crown gall. Bacterial agents like Bacillus and Pseudomonas species showed significant effectiveness against multiple plant pathogens. Fungal agents, particularly Trichoderma species, demonstrated strong disease control capabilities. Phage therapy showed promising results against bacterial diseases in economically important plants with efficacy rates up to 70-96% in some cases.

Conclusion

Biocontrol strategies offer a safe and sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides and antibiotic-based approaches. These agents are selective in their action, leave no harmful residues, and can establish long-term control of plant diseases. However, more research is needed to enhance the stability, effectiveness, and commercial viability of these biocontrol agents before widespread commercial implementation.

Published in:Biotechnology Reports,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1016/j.btre.2024.e00859