Long description:

Biocontrol Agents for Improved Agriculture, a volume in the Plant and Soil Microbiome series, presents both an advanced and current description of the important role of plant and soil microbiome in plant disease management. Including the latest biotechnological interventions for harnessing plant and soil microbiome and their potential in controlling plant pathogen/ disease, as well as the commercialization of biocontrol products and exploration of microbial derived bioactive compounds, this book provides an important reference on the challenges of biocontrol products. Sections explore the bacterial and fungal species successfully applied as plant and soil inoculant for the effective management of plant diseases.

As these microbial biocontrol agents not only suppress the plant disease, but also enhance the growth or agricultural production in sustainable ways, the book focuses on the molecular aspect of plant- pathogen interactions and their biocontrol strategies via the use of plant and soil microbiome. This book is an important reference for those seeking sustainable, safe options for protecting against microbial agricultural loss and environmental damage.

Table of Contents:

1. The expediency of fungi as biocontrol agents for the enhancement of food security
2. Plant growth promoting microorganisms from native plants: an untapped resource of biocontrol and biofertilizer agents
3. Biological control of Plasmopara viticola: where are we now?
4. Biological control of diseases in Theobroma cacao
5. Synergistic mechanisms between plant growth-promoting bacteria and Trichoderma to control plant diseases
6. Genomic mining for the identification of promising mechanisms of bioactivity in biological control agents
7. Production and commercialization of biocontrol products
8. Understanding Trichoderma: between biotechnology and microbial ecology
9. Formulation of microbial biocontrol agents-an industrial perspective
10. Endophytic microbiota in plant disease management
11. Endophytic microorganism as a source of bioactive compounds
12. Plant growth promoting bacteria in food security and plant disease management
13. Bacterial strains used in post-harvest management of fruits
14. Bacterial volatiles application in plant disease management
15. CRISPER/ CAS techniques used in plant disease management
16. The impact of climate change on plant diseases and food security
17. Insects-plants-pathogens: Toxicity, dependence and defense dynamics
18. MicroRNAs in plant insect interaction and insect pest control
19. Ladybirds as an biocontrol agent
20. Endophytes:The Treasure House of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Applications in Sustainable Agriculture and other Sectors