Pseudomonas fluorescens as biocontrol agent

This review paper provides an overview of the potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens as a biocontrol agent for plant pathogens. P. fluorescens has broad-spectrum antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activities due to the production of various secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, siderophores, enzymes, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These secondary metabolites can inhibit the growth of plant pathogens, stimulate plant growth, and enhance plant defence mechanisms, thereby improving plant health and productivity. P. fluorescens' biocontrol mechanisms can be classified into two categories: direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct mechanisms involve the direct inhibition of plant pathogens by P. fluorescens, while indirect mechanisms involve the stimulation of plant growth and enhancement of plant defence mechanisms. P. fluorescens has been successfully applied as a biocontrol agent in various crops against a range of plant pathogens.