03-08-2013, 04:23 PM
Molecular and Functional Characterization of Biocontrol Agents : Emerging Trends
ABSTRACT
Worldwide agriculture system has led to important economic losses due to intensified production and post-harvest food spoilage. To face these drawbacks, farmers have become increasingly dependent on agrochemical. However, access of agrochemical has led to the emergence of pathogen resistance with several negative environmental impacts. Bu t in the current scenario, the intentness of the use of beneficial microorganisms, such as specialized fungi or yeast or bacteria to skirmish and subjection of the plant pathogens has a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for more rational and safe crop management and has been increased rapidly with the term Biocontrol. This is a potent mean of reducing the damage caused by pathogens. Biocontrol is a compatible fascinating and flipside strategy for the control of plant disease with the goal of a sustainable agriculture system, comparison of routinely used chemicals. The biocontrol activity against the plant disease can occur through different mechanisms, classified as antibiosis, competition, suppression, direct parasitism, induced resistance, hypovirulence and predation. It is often associated with production of secondary metabolites. But the real gigantic sources that can assist the science to monitor the accurate characteristics at genetic level are molecular techniques. It can help us to identify and characterize the microorganisms, useful as biocontrol agents or as producers of bioactive compounds, are of great relevance for the modern and echo-compatible agriculture.