Potential of biological control agents for the management of soil-borne pathogens in pulse crops

Abstract

Biocontrol of soil-borne pathogens of pulses is an emerging area of research and attracting researchers all over the world. Here, an attempt has been made to review the published research works on the biological control of soil-borne pathogen of pulse crops to analyze how progress has been made and what has been desired. Pulses, an important group of food crops are highly susceptible to soil-borne pathogens in India. Biocontrol, an eco-friendly approach, involves the use of beneficial microorganisms, their genes, and/ or products, such as metabolites, to control plant pathogens. The various mechanisms such as mycoparasitism, spatial and nutrient competition, antibiosis by enzymes and secondary metabolites and induction of plant defence system are involved in effecting typical biocontrol of a pathogen. Successful application of biocontrol strategies requires knowledge on the mode of action of the biocontrol agent to achieve better and effective management of a disease. To have more effective biocontrol strategies in future, it is crucial to carry out more research studies on some less understood aspects of biocontrol including the development of novel formulations, understanding the impact of environmental factors on biocontrol agents and the use of biotechnology and nanotechnology in the improvement of biocontrol mechanism and strategies. If implemented properly, the outlook of biocontrol of plant disease is bright and promising. The present article focuses on the history, screening, modes of actions, delivery systems of biocontrol agents and enhancement of biocontrol potential and application under field conditions to manage important soil-borne diseases of pulse crops.