OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 03-Feb-2026 | Pages: 63-82 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook212025/63-82
Cereal crops such as rice, wheat, maize, and barley are central to global food systems, contributing to the dietary caloric intake of billions of people worldwide. However, these crops are constantly under threat from a wide range of biotic stresses, including fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens, as well as insect pests. Traditionally, the management of these threats has relied heavily on synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which, while effective in the short term, have led to several unintended consequences. These include the emergence of pesticide-resistant strains, degradation of soil health, disruption of beneficial microbial communities, and contamination of water bodies and food chains. In response to these concerns, there has been a growing emphasis on the development and adoption of environmentally sustainable and ecologically sound alternatives, among which biocontrol agents (BCAs) are prominent. Biocontrol agents beneficial microbes such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes exert their effects through multiple mechanisms, including antibiosis, parasitism, competition, and induction of host plant resistance. Recent advancements in biotechnology, microbiology, and precision agriculture have significantly enhanced the efficacy, reliability, and scalability of BCAs. Techniques such as genomic sequencing, strain improvement, synthetic biology, and nano-formulation technologies have enabled the development of robust, target-specific biocontrol solutions that are compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations in the field of biocontrol agent development and deployment, with a focus on cereal crop production. It examines the various types of BCAs in use, their modes of action, and the technologies that have improved their formulation, delivery, and field performance. Additionally, the chapter addresses the challenges that limit broader adoption such as regulatory hurdles, environmental variability, and knowledge gaps and outlines strategic directions for future research and policy support. By advancing the performance and reliability of BCAs, modern agriculture can move toward more sustainable, resilient, and climate-smart cereal farming systems that maintain productivity while safeguarding ecological integrity.
Beneficial microbes, Bio-pesticides, IPM, Ecological integrity, Environmentally sustainable
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