Antagonistic Fungi Against Plant Pathogens for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

The demand for the reduction of chemical pesticides and the adoption of biocompatible products, following the sustainability principles, has changed food production worldwide. Biotic and abiotic stresses cause severe losses in food, fibers, and energy, and it is essential to minimize these losses with sustainable methods. Because of that, microorganisms and biocompatible products have been developed to overcome these challenges without causing adverse environmental impacts. In addition to developing biopesticides, there is a need to integrate these products with other agricultural technologies. Therefore, integrated disease management is fundamental to the path to sustainability. For that to happen, it is necessary to understand the structure and functioning of agricultural ecosystems to carry out adequate integrated management of pests and diseases. In this sense, the understanding of plant–pathogen relationships, the effects of the environment on these relationships, and the impacts of external interventions on the production system need to be understood. This understanding will lead to the rational use of inputs effectively and sustainably. Brazilian agricultural productivity is impacted by soil-borne plant pathogens, whose problems have been increased. The chemical control of these plant pathogens presents numerous problems, and the biological control associated with soil and crop management has been an adequate alternative. In this scenario, the development and use of biopesticides are vital factors for managing soil-borne fungi and nematodes. However, for its best performance, it is vital to consider the pathosystem, the biological target to be reached, the efficacy of the antagonist agents, compatibility in the integrated pest management; all these topics will be covered in this chapter.