Biological control of foliar diseases using antagonistic microorganisms
Keywords:
antagonistic microorganisms, biocontrol agents, biological control, foliar diseases, plant disease management.Abstract
Foliar diseases represent a major constraint on agricultural productivity due to their effects on crop growth, development, and yield. Given the limitations associated with the intensive use of chemical products, antagonistic microorganisms represent a sustainable alternative for plant disease management. This literature review aimed to analyse the available scientific evidence on the biological control of foliar diseases using antagonistic microorganisms, considering the main agents employed, their mechanisms of action, agricultural applications, and factors affecting their effectiveness. Methodologically, a literature review of 20 academic and technical publications related to the biological control of plant diseases was conducted. The information was organised into thematic categories focusing on the main antagonistic microorganisms, biocontrol mechanisms, applications, and challenges. The results showed that Trichoderma, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas are the most relevant microbial groups identified in the analysed literature. Their main mechanisms of action include competition for space and nutrients, antibiosis, mycoparasitism, production of enzymes and metabolites, and induction of plant defence responses. The evidence also showed that the effectiveness of biological control depends on the establishment capacity of microorganisms, pathogen characteristics, environmental conditions, and formulations used. It is concluded that antagonistic microorganisms have significant potential to reduce the incidence and severity of foliar diseases and decrease dependence on chemical products. However, further efforts are required to improve strain selection, formulation stability, and the adaptation of biocontrol strategies to the specific conditions of agricultural systems.
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