Mechanisms and Impacts of Microbial Biocontrol Agents in Plant Disease Management

Microbial biocontrol agents (BCAs) have emerged as promising tools in the field of plant disease management, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides. As the demand for environmentally friendly and effective solutions increases, innovative research is increasingly focusing on understanding how microbial BCAs interact within the complex plant-pathogen-microbiome systems. Despite considerable progress, critical questions remain regarding the precise mechanisms through which these agents function, their efficacy under real-world conditions, and their broader ecological impacts. Recent studies have highlighted diverse modes of action, such as antagonism, competition, and the induction of plant defenses, yet variability in outcomes across environments continues to challenge agricultural predictability. Furthermore, concerns persist over the long-term persistence of BCAs, their fate in diverse ecosystems, and potential unintended effects on non-target organisms.This Research Topic aims to advance our mechanistic understanding of microbial BCAs in plant protection, enhancing our ability to predict their outcomes and manage associated risks. Key objectives include elucidating the molecular and ecological bases of BCA action, clarifying their influence on plant-microbe and plant-pathogen interactions, and establishing frameworks for evaluating their durability and safety under variable field and climate-stress conditions. By integrating recent methodological advancements with holistic risk assessments, this Research Topic seeks to support the harmonisation of innovative regulatory approaches for microbial pest control agents. Ultimately, the goal is to facilitate reliable and environmentally sound biocontrol solutions for sustainable agriculture.To gather further insights in the mechanisms, efficacy, environmental impact, and regulatory frameworks surrounding microbial BCAs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Molecular and ecological modes of action of microbial biocontrol agents (e.g., antagonism, competition, induced resistance)• Dynamics of host plant–pathogen–microbiome interactions• Efficacy and persistence of microbial BCAs under field and climate-stress conditions• Environmental fate and non-target effects of microbial BCAs• Approaches to harmonizing regulatory frameworks and risk assessment for microbial pest control agents in agriculture Topic editors: Belen Guijarro, Inmaculada Larena, Zhou Yi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80351/mechanisms-and-impacts-of-microbial-biocontrol-agents-in-plant-disease-management