Biological control agents: from field to market, problems, and challenges

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Global food security is increasingly threatened by population growth, climate change, and emerging pathogens.
• Consumers are demanding sustainably produced, chemical-free food, driving the need for alternative agricultural practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the advantages and limitations of using bacterium-based biological control agents (BCAs) for sustainable agriculture.
• To identify the challenges and problems associated with the implementation of BCAs in integrated management systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on BCAs in agriculture.
• Analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of BCA applications.
• Identification of key challenges in the integration of BCAs into farming practices.

Main Results:

• BCAs present a promising avenue for sustainable food production, offering targeted pest and disease control with reduced environmental impact.
• Successful implementation requires addressing limitations such as efficacy under diverse environmental conditions, shelf-life, and formulation stability.
• Overcoming challenges in farmer adoption, regulatory frameworks, and cost-effectiveness is crucial for widespread use.

Conclusions:

• Bacterium-based biological control agents (BCAs) are a viable component of integrated strategies to bolster global food security.
• Further research and development are needed to optimize BCA performance and facilitate their integration into mainstream agricultural practices.