POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS OF ACTINOBACTERIA IN AGRICULTURAL BIOCONTROL MANAGEMENT

Microbial pathogens that impact plant health pose a significant risk to global agricultural output. The persistent use of pesticides for the control of plant diseases has resulted in significant ecological damage and the emergence of pathogen resistance. Moreover, the increasing expenses associated with chemical-based management techniques and the consumer's desire for chemical-free agricultural products have led to the adoption of alternative and sustainable approaches. Naturally existing non-pathogenic microorganisms offer a highly promising and environmentally friendly approach for controlling plant diseases. The effectiveness of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma spp. as biocontrol agents has prompted researchers to explore other biocontrol agents. Recently, the filamentous Actinobacteria has emerged as a highly promising other option. Like other biocontrol agents and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Actinobacteria depend on roughly same processes to control plant diseases and stimulate plant growth. The well acknowledged processes of biocontrol encompass competition for a specific niche or substrate, application of lytic enzymes, and synthesis of inhibitory compounds that counteract plant diseases. These helpful microorganisms simultaneously enhance the immune response of host plants against a wide range of diseases and other abiotic stressors. This chapter elucidates the intricate methods by which Actinobacteria function as biocontrol agents in the biological control of plant diseases.