Beneficial bacteria for biological control of fungal pathogens of cereals

Abstract

Green revolution has lead to increase in the crop productivity to feed burgeoning human population which subsequently has led to increase in use of chemicals in crop cultivation. Significant amount of chemical fungicide is used to control fungal cereal diseases throughout the world. Although biological control ability of antagonistic fungi against fungal cereal pathogens has been well documented, commercial biocontrol product based on fungi to replace chemical fungicides is not yet available. On the other hand, research on bacteria to control fungal cereal pathogens has shown some promise, and despite being relatively recent approach there are some bacterial biocontrol products that are available against such diseases. More research is necessary to understand the full potential of bacteria to control fungal cereal diseases.