Description :

The efficacy of bacterial antagonists in controlling fungal diseases was often better as alone, and sometimes in combination with fungicides. The present review refers to occurrence, distribution, mechanism, growth requirements of Pseudomonas fluorescens and diseases controlled by the bacterial antagonist in different agricultural and horticultural crops were discussed. The literature in this review helps in future research programmes that aim to promote Pseudomonas fluorescens as a potential bio-pesticide for augmentative biological control of many diseases of agriculture and horticultural importance.

Environmental and consumer concerns have heightened interest in developing biological control agents as environmentally-friendly alternatives to protect agricultural and horticultural crops against phytopathogens. Pseudomonas fluorescens is a proven biological control agent with numerous success stories from scientists globally. Various strains of Pseudomonas have been shown to significantly control fungal, bacterial, and nematode diseases in cereals, horticultural crops, oil seeds, and more. The efficacy of bacterial antagonism in controlling diseases often surpasses that of fungicides, and combining bacterial antagonism with fungicides sometimes enhances disease control efficacy.

Additionally, treatments with Pseudomonas fluorescens improve seedling health and crop yields. Peat soil has been identified as the best substrate for colonization, followed by farmyard manure and gobar gas. Polysaccharides enhance the adhesion of Pseudomonas fluorescens, promoting plant growth through increased antibiotic activity.

This review aims to support future research promoting Pseudomonas fluorescens as a potential bio-pesticide for augmentative biological control of various agricultural and horticultural diseases. However, a deeper understanding of the factors involved, including the signaling interactions among antagonists, pathogens, soil, and plants, is necessary to promote these biocontrol agents as widely applicable bio-pesticides in the future.