Vol. 11, Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Akurathi Ramya, Kota Venkata Ramesh, Emmadi Venu, Ch. S Kishore Kumar and M Sunil Kumar

Abstract:
Horticultural crops are central to food, nutritional, and economic security. However, their productivity and quality are severely compromised due to various biotic stresses, particularly those caused by pathogenic microorganisms. The increasing environmental and health concerns associated with chemical pesticides have paved the way for sustainable disease management strategies. Microbial interventions encompassing both rhizospheric and endophytic bioagents offer a multifaceted and ecologically viable solution. This consolidated review explores the current state of microbial-based disease management in horticultural crops by integrating research on antagonistic rhizospheric microorganisms such as Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus spp., with insights into the promising realm of bacterial endophytes including Pseudomonads, Bacillus, and Streptomyces species. These beneficial microbes function through mechanisms such as antibiosis, competition, mycoparasitism, siderophore production, lytic enzyme activity, induced systemic resistance (ISR), and nutrient mobilization. Their applications span from soil and seed treatments to post-harvest disease control. Moreover, advancements in microbial consortia and bioformulation technologies have greatly enhanced their efficacy. The review highlights successful case studies, mode-of-action intricacies, and outlines future directions in harnessing these biological agents for holistic and sustainable horticulture.