Microbial biocontrol agents against chilli plant pathogens over synthetic pesticides: a review

Abstract

India is amongst the top countries consuming, producing and exporting chillies. Chilli (Capsicum annuum), known as chilli peppers, belongs to the family Solanaceae. Heavy losses have been observed in the yield due to diseases caused by bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. Over utilization of synthetic agents to control these diseases causing pathogens have raised serious biological and ecological issues. Along these lines, late endeavours have been centred on utilizing natural ways for controlling plant pathogens. Interest in biological control using microbial agents has increased over the past years as an alternative to chemicals which are toxic to the environment and lead to the development of resistant pathogenic populations. Biological control using microorganisms is a more environmentally friendly alternative and is utilized either on its own or as a part of integrated management strategy to reduce the use of synthetic agents. This research approach reviews various pathogen causing diseases in the Capsicum annuum, toxicity of the chemical agents used for controlling the pathogens and the biocontrol agents against chilli phytopathogens along with their suggested mode of action. This article will deepen our knowledge about the consistent beneficial effects of microbial biocontrol agents.