Combination of plant extract and fungus: new uses as biocontrol agent of plant pest and disease

Abstract The purpose of this article is to give a summary of combination plant extract and fungus as biocontrol agents. Insects and microorganisms are major pest groups that cause significant losses in the agricultural sector. In recent years, pest and plant diseases have only managed with synthetic pesticides. The use of pesticides at the farm level is currently very high, making it dangerous for the environment. In addition, many pest species and pathogens are becoming resistant due to the development of new chemical tolerant strains. Therefore, innovation is needed to provide an efficient and safe alternative for control. Many plant species and fungi have been described as biocontrol agents in agriculture because of their ability to exert multiple effects on pests and pathogen. In this review, we look at the available research on plant extract and fungus as biocontrol. We also discuss several studies on the combinations of plant extracts and fungus are able to control plant pests directly by producing secondary metabolites and indirectly provide resistance to plants. Overall, this review emphasizes the opportunities of the combination plant extracts and fungus can be used in place of controlling pest and plant diseases to support sustainable agricultural development.