Controlled-release gel encapsulation: an emerging technology for delivering beneficial microorganisms in sustainable plant disease management

Abstract As climate change intensifies, the accelerated spread of plant diseases poses severe threats to global crop production, leading to substantial losses in yield, quality, and economic returns, thereby jeopardizing food security and agricultural sustainability. With increasing awareness of the environmental risks associated with chemical pesticides, eco-friendly alternatives are urgently needed. Although biological control represents a promising green strategy, its practical efficacy is often limited by poor microbial survival, low environmental stability, and short functional duration under field conditions. In response, controlled-release gel encapsulation technology has emerged as an innovative approach, integrating advances in materials science, microbiology, and plant pathology. By combining physical protection, controlled delivery, and induced resistance mechanisms, this technology significantly improves the viability, persistence, and performance of beneficial microorganisms in agricultural settings. This review systematically examines the application of controlled-release gel-based encapsulation of beneficial microbes in plant disease management, covering their mechanisms of action, material selection, encapsulation techniques, and practical benefits, while also addressing current challenges. Future perspectives should focus on the development of intelligent-responsive materials and the enhancement of the stability of target microorganisms. Moreover, the environmental safety and ecological sustainability of these materials should be evaluated using multi-omics and artificial intelligence technologies combined with systematic field validation and full life-cycle assessment. This review aims to establish a scientific foundation and offer strategic guidance for the practical application and optimization of controlled-release gel encapsulation technology in sustainable, green plant disease management.