Rhizosphere bacteria and rhizobacterial formulations: Small weapons in the big battle of plant disease management

Abstract

Global food security continues to be threatened by plant pests and diseases. While chemical pesticides are conventionally used to combat these pests and diseases, their overreliance is worrying in the context of environmental sustainability, and alternative pest control mechanisms are necessary. Rhizobacteria are largely recognized for their beneficial functions in plant rhizospheres that culminate into bio-protection, and their exploration and exploitation are rapidly escalating. However, their full potential is yet to be realized. This chapter revisits the mechanisms of rhizobacteria as critical weapons in the continued battle of plant disease management and identifies the advances concerning their formulation and commercialization on a global scale. The chapter further identifies the challenges and opportunities regarding the application of rhizobacteria in plant disease management. Such information can increase our knowledge of rhizobacteria and plant disease management and enhance their exploitation for agricultural sustainability.