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Author Spotlight: Discovering New Biopesticides from Bioactive Soil Microbe-Derived Natural Products
Published on: July 26, 2024
Licensed to protect: microbial biocontrol challenges and opportunities
Céline De Pessemier1, Michiel Vandecasteele1, Kelly Hamonts2
1Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, Ghent 9052, Belgium; VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 71, Ghent 9052, Belgium.
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Microbial biocontrol agents (MBCAs) offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Despite extensive research, relatively few MBCAs successfully make it to commercial products. In this review, we catalog commercially available MBCAs, examining their modes of action, their target pathogens, and their application contexts. Our analysis reveals that most products are based on strains of Bacillus, Trichoderma, and Pseudomonas. Additionally, a notable bias exists toward high-value crops and their pathogens, with a comparatively limited representation of products aiming to protect staple crops such as cereals. We propose several strategies to overcome current barriers in MBCA development and improve their market integration.
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