Summary
This narrative review synthesises the mechanisms of action by which microbial biocontrol agents suppress Botrytis cinerea, a phytopathogenic fungus causing USD 10–100 billion in global agricultural losses across more than 1400 plant species. The authors catalogue multiple antifungal pathways—including antimicrobial and siderophore production, volatile organic compound emission, hydrolytic enzyme activity, competition, and induced systemic resistance—as an evidence base for developing sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Several of these biopesticide-based approaches have already been validated in field conditions and integrated into commercial agricultural practice.
UK applicability
Botrytis cinerea affects UK horticulture and soft-fruit production significantly; these biocontrol mechanisms offer pathways for reducing fungicide dependence in compliance with UK and EU sustainability regulations. Applicability depends on whether the microorganisms reviewed are licensed and climatically suited to UK growing conditions.
Key measures
Mechanisms of antifungal activity; types of bioactive molecules produced; microorganisms possessing antifungal properties; field application outcomes
Outcomes reported
The review identifies and synthesises mechanisms of antifungal activity in microbial biocontrol agents, including diffusible antimicrobial molecules, siderophores, volatile organic compounds, hydrolytic enzymes, competition, and systemic resistance induction. It documents microorganisms demonstrating these mechanisms and notes that some have been tested and deployed in agricultural production with satisfactory results.
Topic tags
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