The role of microbes as biocontrol agents and plant protectors: guardians of the rhizosphere

Abstract

Plants are consistently subject to a myriad of phytopathogens, including fungi, nematodes, bacteria, and viruses. These pathogens can noticeably diminish the productivity of vital crops on a global scale, with annual crop yield reductions ranging from about 20%–40% attributable to various pathogenic diseases. While the applications of chemical pesticides have proven to be effective in managing numerous diseases in primary crops, the overutilization of synthetic chemicals stimulates adverse consequences for both the environment and human health, thereby deterring the implementation of pesticides within the agricultural domain. Consequently, researchers globally have redirected their investigative efforts towards alternative, environmentally sustainable methodologies aimed at decreasing plant diseases. A diverse array of biological control agents is presently accessible for applications; however, extensive research is imperative to determine potential microbial species and their associated natural products that exhibit broad-spectrum antagonistic properties for the management of crop diseases.