Biological control in tomato and pepper under different growing conditions: the potential for disease management of Pseudomonas Spp., Trichoderma Spp. and microbial consortia

Abstract

Biological control of plant pathogens offers a sustainable complement for reducing chemical pesticides in the management of bacterial and fungal infections in commercially important crops such as tomato and pepper. The function of biocontrol agents, specifically Pseudomonas spp., Trichoderma spp., and microbial consortia, in reducing bacterial and fungal pathogen-induced diseases is the main topic of this chapter. The production of antimicrobial chemicals, competition for nutrients, and induction of systemic resistance in plants are key characteristics of Pseudomonas species, whereas some Trichoderma species can stimulate plant growth, synthesize enzymes, and/or display mycoparasitic activity. Microbial consortia are also investigated for their potential to offer more stable and complete disease control through synergistic effects. However, depending on the growing environment - hydroponics, growth chambers, greenhouses, and field systems - the effectiveness of biocontrol agents might differ greatly, each with its own set of difficulties. This chapter examines biological control methods that are currently studied for tomato and pepper crops, where the use of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas strains has been demonstrated to be successful. Furthermore, the application of microbial consortia - combinations of advantageous microorganisms - is emphasized as an effective approach to boost resilience against diseases, improve plant health, and increase biocontrol efficacy. The importance of further research to optimize the effectiveness and scalability of these strategies in diverse crop environments is also emphasized.