Editorial

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3 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens

by Rainer Borriss and Chetan Keswani

Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122930 - 06 Dec 2023

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Abstract

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

Research

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31 pages, 5504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant-Associated Representatives of the Bacillus cereus Group Are a Rich Source of Antimicrobial Compounds

by Joachim Vater, Le Thi Thanh Tam, Jennifer Jähne, Stefanie Herfort, Christian Blumenscheit, Andy Schneider, Pham Thi Luong, Le Thi Phuong Thao, Jochen Blom, Silke R. Klee, Thomas Schweder, Peter Lasch and Rainer Borriss

Microorganisms 2023, 11(11), 2677; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112677 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1345

Abstract

Seventeen bacterial strains able to suppress plant pathogens have been isolated from healthy Vietnamese crop plants and taxonomically assigned as members of the Bacillus cereus group. In order to prove their potential as biocontrol agents, we perform a comprehensive analysis that included the [...] Read more.

Seventeen bacterial strains able to suppress plant pathogens have been isolated from healthy Vietnamese crop plants and taxonomically assigned as members of the Bacillus cereus group. In order to prove their potential as biocontrol agents, we perform a comprehensive analysis that included the whole-genome sequencing of selected strains and the mining for genes and gene clusters involved in the synthesis of endo- and exotoxins and secondary metabolites, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Kurstakin, thumolycin, and other AMPs were detected and characterized by different mass spectrometric methods, such as MALDI-TOF-MS and LIFT-MALDI-TOF/TOF fragment analysis. Based on their whole-genome sequences, the plant-associated isolates were assigned to the following species and subspecies: B. cereus subsp. cereus (6), B. cereus subsp. bombysepticus (5), Bacillus tropicus (2), and Bacillus pacificus. These three isolates represent novel genomospecies. Genes encoding entomopathogenic crystal and vegetative proteins were detected in B. cereus subsp. bombysepticus TK1. The in vitro assays revealed that many plant-associated isolates enhanced plant growth and suppressed plant pathogens. Our findings indicate that the plant-associated representatives of the B. cereus group are a rich source of putative antimicrobial compounds with potential in sustainable agriculture. However, the presence of virulence genes might restrict their application as biologicals in agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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13 pages, 7397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacillus velezensis BV01 Has Broad-Spectrum Biocontrol Potential and the Ability to Promote Plant Growth

by Ting Huang, Yi Zhang, Zhihe Yu, Wenying Zhuang and Zhaoqing Zeng

Microorganisms 2023, 11(11), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112627 - 25 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1636

Abstract

To evaluate the potential of a bacterial strain as a fungal disease control agent and plant growth promoter, its inhibitory effects on phytopathogens such as Bipolaris sorokiniana, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum capsici, Fusarium graminearum, F. oxysporum, Neocosmospora rubicola [...] Read more.

To evaluate the potential of a bacterial strain as a fungal disease control agent and plant growth promoter, its inhibitory effects on phytopathogens such as Bipolaris sorokiniana, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum capsici, Fusarium graminearum, F. oxysporum, Neocosmospora rubicola, Rhizoctonia solani, and Verticillium dahliae were investigated. The results showed that the inhibitory rates in dual-culture and sterile filtrate assays against these eight phytopathogens ranged from 57% to 83% and from 36% to 92%. The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis based on morphological and physiological characterization as well as phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA and the gyrase subunit A protein (gyrA) regions. The results demonstrated that B. velezensis was able to produce fungal cell-wall-degrading enzymes, namely, protease, cellulase, and β-1,3-glucanase, and the growth-promotion substances indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore. Furthermore, B. velezensis BV01 had significant control effects on wheat root rot and pepper Fusarium wilt in a greenhouse. Potted growth-promotion experiments displayed that BV01 significantly increased the height, stem diameter, and aboveground fresh and dry weights of wheat and pepper. The results imply that B. velezensis BV01, a broad-spectrum biocontrol bacterium, is worth further investigation regarding its practical applications in agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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20 pages, 4758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Kosakonia cowanii Cp1 Isolated from the Seeds of Capsicum pubescens R & P Possess Antifungal Activity

by José Luis Hernández Flores, Yomaiko Javier Martínez, Miguel Ángel Ramos López, Carlos Saldaña Gutierrez, Aldo Amaro Reyes, Mariem Monserrat Armendariz Rosales, Maraly Jazmin Cortés Pérez, Mayela Fosado Mendoza, Joanna Ramírez Ramírez, Grecia Ramírez Zavala, Paola Lizeth Tovar Becerra, Laila Valdez Santoyo, Karen Villasana Rodríguez, José Alberto Rodríguez Morales and Juan Campos Guillén

Microorganisms 2023, 11(10), 2491; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102491 - 04 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1286

Abstract

The Kosakonia cowanii Cp1 strain was isolated from seeds of Capsicum pubescens R. & P. cultivated in Michoacan, Mexico. Genetic and ecological role analyses were conducted for better characterization. The results show that genome has a length of 4.7 Mbp with 56.22% G [...] Read more.

The Kosakonia cowanii Cp1 strain was isolated from seeds of Capsicum pubescens R. & P. cultivated in Michoacan, Mexico. Genetic and ecological role analyses were conducted for better characterization. The results show that genome has a length of 4.7 Mbp with 56.22% G + C and an IncF plasmid of 128 Kbp with 52.51% G + C. Furthermore, pathogenicity test revealed nonpathogenic traits confirmed by the absence of specific virulence-related genes. Interestingly, when fungal inhibitory essays were carried out, the bacterial synthesis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal activity showed that Sclerotinia sp. and Rhizoctonia solani were inhibited by 87.45% and 77.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, Sclerotium rolfsii, Alternaria alternata, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides demonstrated a mean radial growth inhibition of 52.79%, 40.82%, and 55.40%, respectively. The lowest inhibition was by Fusarium oxysporum, with 10.64%. The VOCs’ characterization by headspace solid–phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC–MS) revealed 65 potential compounds. Some of the compounds identified with high relative abundance were ketones (22.47%), represented by 2-butanone, 3-hydroxy (13.52%), and alcohols (23.5%), represented by ethanol (5.56%) and 1-butanol-3-methyl (4.83%). Our findings revealed, for the first time, that K. cowanii Cp1 associated with C. pubescens seeds possesses potential traits indicating that it could serve as an effective biocontrol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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14 pages, 2464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of the Fermentation Conditions of Metarhizium robertsii and Its Biological Control of Wolfberry Root Rot Disease

by Jing He, Xiaoyan Zhang, Qinghua Wang, Nan Li, Dedong Ding and Bin Wang

Microorganisms 2023, 11(10), 2380; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102380 - 23 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 803

Abstract

Fusarium solani is the main pathogenic fungus causing the root rot of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum). The endophytic fungus Metarhizium robertsii has been widely used for the biocontrol of plant pathogenic fungi, but the biocontrol effects of this fungus on wolfberry root [...] Read more.

Fusarium solani is the main pathogenic fungus causing the root rot of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum). The endophytic fungus Metarhizium robertsii has been widely used for the biocontrol of plant pathogenic fungi, but the biocontrol effects of this fungus on wolfberry root rot and its antifungal mechanism against F. solani have not been reported. In this study, the antagonism of endophytic fungus M. robertsii against F. solani was verified. Further, we optimized the fermentation conditions of M. robertsii fermentation broth based on the inhibition rate of F. solani. In addition, the effects of M. robertsii fermentation broth on the root rot of wolfberry and its partial inhibition mechanism were investigated. The results showed that M. robertsii exhibited good antagonism against F. solani. Glucose and beef extracts were the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources for the fermentation of M. robertsii. Under the conditions of 29 °C, 190 rpm, and pH 7.0, the fermentation broth of M. robertsii had the best inhibition effect on F. solani. Furthermore, the fermentation broth treatment decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase of F. solani; promoted the accumulation of malondialdehyde; and accelerated the leakage of soluble protein and the decrease in soluble sugar. In addition, inoculation with M. robertsii significantly reduced the decay incidence and disease index of wolfberry root rot caused by F. solani. These results indicate that M. robertsii could be used as a biological control agent in wolfberry root rot disease management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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18 pages, 2368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Potential Biological Limiters of the Main Esca-Associated Fungi in Grapevine

by Francesco Mannerucci, Giovanni D’Ambrosio, Nicola Regina, Domenico Schiavone and Giovanni Luigi Bruno

Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082099 - 17 Aug 2023

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Abstract

The strains Trichoderma harzianum TH07.1-NC (TH), Aphanocladium album MX95 (AA), Pleurotus eryngii AL142PE (PE) and Pleurotus ostreatus ALPO (PO) were tested as biological limiters against Fomitiporia mediterranea Fme22.12 (FM), Phaeoacremonium minimum Pm22.53 (PM) and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora Pc22.65 (PC). Pathogens were obtained from naturally [...] Read more.

The strains Trichoderma harzianum TH07.1-NC (TH), Aphanocladium album MX95 (AA), Pleurotus eryngii AL142PE (PE) and Pleurotus ostreatus ALPO (PO) were tested as biological limiters against Fomitiporia mediterranea Fme22.12 (FM), Phaeoacremonium minimum Pm22.53 (PM) and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora Pc22.65 (PC). Pathogens were obtained from naturally Esca-affected ‘Nero di Troia’ vines cropped in Grumo Appula (Puglia region, Southern Italy). The antagonistic activity of each challenge organism was verified in a dual culture. TH and PO completely overgrew the three pathogens. Partial replacement characterized PE-FM, PE-PM, PE-PC and AA-PC interactions. Deadlock at mycelial contact was observed in AA-FM and AA-PM cultures. The calculated antagonism index (AI) indicated TH and PE as moderately active antagonists (10 < AI < 15), while AA and PO were weakly active (AI < 10). The maximum value of the re-isolation index (s) was associated with deadlock among AA-PM, AA-PC and PE-FM dual cultures. The tested biological limiters were always re-isolated when PO and TH completely replaced the three tested pathogens. TH and AA confirmed their efficiencies as biological limiters when inoculated on detached canes of ‘Nero di Troia’ in dual combination with FM, PC and PM. Nevertheless, additional experiments should be performed for a solid conclusion, along with validation experiments in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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13 pages, 2154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Genetically Engineered Escherichia coli for Potential Utilization in Fungal Smut Disease Control

by Guobing Cui, Xinping Bi, Shan Lu, Zide Jiang and Yizhen Deng

Microorganisms 2023, 11(6), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061564 - 13 Jun 2023

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Abstract

Sporisorium scitamineum, the basidiomycetous fungus that causes sugarcane smut and leads to severe losses in sugarcane quantity and quality, undergoes sexual mating to form dikaryotic hyphae capable of invading the host cane. Therefore, suppressing dikaryotic hyphae formation would potentially be an effective [...] Read more.

Sporisorium scitamineum, the basidiomycetous fungus that causes sugarcane smut and leads to severe losses in sugarcane quantity and quality, undergoes sexual mating to form dikaryotic hyphae capable of invading the host cane. Therefore, suppressing dikaryotic hyphae formation would potentially be an effective way to prevent host infection by the smut fungus, and the following disease symptom developments. The phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been shown to induce plant defenses against insects and microbial pathogens. In this study, we will verify that the exogenous addition of MeJA-suppressed dikaryotic hyphae formation in S. scitamineum and Ustilago maydis under in vitro culture conditions, and the maize smut symptom caused by U. maydis, could be effectively suppressed by MeJA in a pot experiment. We constructed an Escherichia coli-expressing plant JMT gene, encoding a jasmonic acid carboxyl methyl transferase that catalyzes conversion from jasmonic acid (JA) to MeJA. By GC-MS, we will confirm that the transformed E. coli, designated as the pJMT strain, was able to produce MeJA in the presence of JA and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM as methyl donor). Furthermore, the pJMT strain was able to suppress S. scitamineum filamentous growth under in vitro culture conditions. It waits to further optimize JMT expression under field conditions in order to utilize the pJMT strain as a biocontrol agent (BCA) of sugarcane smut disease. Overall, our study provides a potentially novel method for controlling crop fungal diseases by boosting phytohormone biosynthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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10 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Potential Biocontrol Agents of Corn Tar Spot Disease Isolated from Overwintered Phyllachora maydis Stromata

by Eric T. Johnson, Patrick F. Dowd, José Luis Ramirez and Robert W. Behle

Microorganisms 2023, 11(6), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061550 - 10 Jun 2023

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Abstract

Tar spot disease in corn, caused by Phyllachora maydis, can reduce grain yield by limiting the total photosynthetic area in leaves. Stromata of P. maydis are long-term survival structures that can germinate and release spores in a gelatinous matrix in the spring, [...] Read more.

Tar spot disease in corn, caused by Phyllachora maydis, can reduce grain yield by limiting the total photosynthetic area in leaves. Stromata of P. maydis are long-term survival structures that can germinate and release spores in a gelatinous matrix in the spring, which are thought to serve as inoculum in newly planted fields. In this study, overwintered stromata in corn leaves were collected in Central Illinois, surface sterilized, and caged on water agar medium. Fungi and bacteria were collected from the surface of stromata that did not germinate and showed microbial growth. Twenty-two Alternaria isolates and three Cladosporium isolates were collected. Eighteen bacteria, most frequently Pseudomonas and Pantoea species, were also isolated. Spores of Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Gliocladium catenulatum (formulated as a commercial biofungicide) reduced the number of stromata that germinated compared to control untreated stromata. These data suggest that fungi collected from overwintered tar spot stromata can serve as biological control organisms against tar spot disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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30 pages, 8318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Plant-Associated Brevibacillus and Lysinibacillus Genomospecies Harbor a Rich Biosynthetic Potential of Antimicrobial Compounds

by Jennifer Jähne, Thanh Tam Le Thi, Christian Blumenscheit, Andy Schneider, Thi Luong Pham, Phuong Thao Le Thi, Jochen Blom, Joachim Vater, Thomas Schweder, Peter Lasch and Rainer Borriss

Microorganisms 2023, 11(1), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11010168 - 09 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2496

Abstract

We have previously reported the draft genome sequences of 59 endospore-forming Gram-positive bacterial strains isolated from Vietnamese crop plants due to their ability to suppress plant pathogens. Based on their draft genome sequence, eleven of them were assigned to the Brevibacillus and one [...] Read more.

We have previously reported the draft genome sequences of 59 endospore-forming Gram-positive bacterial strains isolated from Vietnamese crop plants due to their ability to suppress plant pathogens. Based on their draft genome sequence, eleven of them were assigned to the Brevibacillus and one to the Lysinibacillus genus. Further analysis including full genome sequencing revealed that several of these strains represent novel genomospecies. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated their ability to promote plant growth, as well as the strong biocontrol potential of Brevibacilli directed against phytopathogenic bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. Genome mining identified 157 natural product biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs), including 36 novel BGCs not present in the MIBiG data bank. Our findings indicate that plant-associated Brevibacilli are a rich source of putative antimicrobial compounds and might serve as a valuable starting point for the development of novel biocontrol agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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19 pages, 8401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Defense Inducers Mediated Mitigation of Bacterial Canker in Tomato through Alteration in Oxidative Stress Markers

by Ruchi Tripathi, Karuna Vishunavat, Rashmi Tewari, Sumit Kumar, Tatiana Minkina, Ugo De Corato and Chetan Keswani

Microorganisms 2022, 10(11), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112160 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1504

Abstract

The bacterial canker disease of tomato caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) has been reported to adversely affect the tomato cultivation in the NE hilly regions of India. Defense inducers such as salicylic acid (SA), isonicotinic acid (INA), benzothiadiazole (BTH) [...] Read more.

The bacterial canker disease of tomato caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) has been reported to adversely affect the tomato cultivation in the NE hilly regions of India. Defense inducers such as salicylic acid (SA), isonicotinic acid (INA), benzothiadiazole (BTH) and lysozyme were used as prophylactic and curative sprays at different concentrations to test their efficacy in inducing resistance in tomato plants against Cmm under protected conditions. The induced resistance was studied through the alteration in the activities of oxidative stress marker enzymes (PAL, PO, PPO, TPC and PR-2 protein), hydrogen peroxide formation in leaf tissues and lignin accumulation in stem tissues, as well as through the reduction in disease severity under glasshouse conditions. The results of the present study revealed that the enzymatic activity, hydrogen peroxide formation and lignin production were significantly higher in the BTH (500 ppm)-treated leaves than in those observed in the control. The lowest disease incidence was recorded when BTH was applied as a prophylactic spray (27.88%) in comparison to being applied as a curative spray (53.62%), thereby suggesting that a defense inducer, BTH, shows antibacterial activity against Cmm, reduces disease incidence severity and induces defense responses in the tomato plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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Review

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22 pages, 1351 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Good, the Bad, and the Useable Microbes within the Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) Microbiome—Potential Bio-Agents to Combat Alder Dieback

by Emma Fuller, Kieran J. Germaine and Dheeraj Singh Rathore

Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2187; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092187 - 30 Aug 2023

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Abstract

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) is a tree species native to Ireland and Europe with high economic and ecological importance. The presence of Alder has many benefits including the ability to adapt to multiple climate types, as well as aiding in [...] Read more.

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) is a tree species native to Ireland and Europe with high economic and ecological importance. The presence of Alder has many benefits including the ability to adapt to multiple climate types, as well as aiding in ecosystem restoration due to its colonization capabilities within disturbed soils. However, Alder is susceptible to infection of the root rot pathogen Phytophthora alni, amongst other pathogens associated with this tree species. P. alni has become an issue within the forestry sector as it continues to spread across Europe, infecting Alder plantations, thus affecting their growth and survival and altering ecosystem dynamics. Beneficial microbiota and biocontrol agents play a crucial role in maintaining the health and resilience of plants. Studies have shown that beneficial microbes promote plant growth as well as aid in the protection against pathogens and abiotic stress. Understanding the interactions between A. glutinosa and its microbiota, both beneficial and pathogenic, is essential for developing integrated management strategies to mitigate the impact of P. alni and maintain the health of Alder trees. This review is focused on collating the relevant literature associated with Alder, current threats to the species, what is known about its microbial composition, and Common Alder–microbe interactions that have been observed worldwide to date. It also summarizes the beneficial fungi, bacteria, and biocontrol agents, underpinning genetic mechanisms and secondary metabolites identified within the forestry sector in relation to the Alder tree species. In addition, biocontrol mechanisms and microbiome-assisted breeding as well as gaps within research that require further attention are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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13 pages, 923 KiB

Open AccessReview

Towards Sustainable Green Adjuvants for Microbial Pesticides: Recent Progress, Upcoming Challenges, and Future Perspectives

by Fuyong Lin, Yufei Mao, Fan Zhao, Aisha Lawan Idris, Qingqing Liu, Shuangli Zou, Xiong Guan and Tianpei Huang

Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020364 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3480

Abstract

Microbial pesticides can be significantly improved by adjuvants. At present, microbial pesticide formulations are mainly wettable powders and suspension concentrations, which are usually produced with adjuvants such as surfactants, carriers, protective agents, and nutritional adjuvants. Surfactants can improve the tension between liquid pesticides [...] Read more.

Microbial pesticides can be significantly improved by adjuvants. At present, microbial pesticide formulations are mainly wettable powders and suspension concentrations, which are usually produced with adjuvants such as surfactants, carriers, protective agents, and nutritional adjuvants. Surfactants can improve the tension between liquid pesticides and crop surfaces, resulting in stronger permeability and wettability of the formulations. Carriers are inert components of loaded or diluted pesticides, which can control the release of active components at appropriate times. Protective agents are able to help microorganisms to resist in adverse environments. Nutritional adjuvants are used to provide nutrients for microorganisms in microbial pesticides. Most of the adjuvants used in microbial pesticides still refer to those of chemical pesticides. However, some adjuvants may have harmful effects on non-target organisms and ecological environments. Herein, in order to promote research and improvement of microbial pesticides, the types of microbial pesticide formulations were briefly reviewed, and research progress of adjuvants and their applications in microbial pesticides were highlighted, the challenges and the future perspectives towards sustainable green adjuvants of microbial pesticides were also discussed in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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29 pages, 837 KiB

Open AccessReview

Major Soilborne Pathogens of Field Processing Tomatoes and Management Strategies

by Minxiao Ma, Paul W. J. Taylor, Deli Chen, Niloofar Vaghefi and Ji-Zheng He

Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020263 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5241

Abstract

Globally, tomato is the second most cultivated vegetable crop next to potato, preferentially grown in temperate climates. Processing tomatoes are generally produced in field conditions, in which soilborne pathogens have serious impacts on tomato yield and quality by causing diseases of the tomato [...] Read more.

Globally, tomato is the second most cultivated vegetable crop next to potato, preferentially grown in temperate climates. Processing tomatoes are generally produced in field conditions, in which soilborne pathogens have serious impacts on tomato yield and quality by causing diseases of the tomato root system. Major processing tomato-producing countries have documented soilborne diseases caused by a variety of pathogens including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and oomycetes, which are of economic importance and may threaten food security. Recent field surveys in the Australian processing tomato industry showed that plant growth and yield were significantly affected by soilborne pathogens, especially Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium species. Globally, different management methods have been used to control diseases such as the use of resistant tomato cultivars, the application of fungicides, and biological control. Among these methods, biocontrol has received increasing attention due to its high efficiency, target-specificity, sustainability and public acceptance. The application of biocontrol is a mix of different strategies, such as applying antagonistic microorganisms to the field, and using the beneficial metabolites synthesized by these microorganisms. This review provides a broad review of the major soilborne fungal/oomycete pathogens of the field processing tomato industry affecting major global producers, the traditional and biological management practices for the control of the pathogens, and the various strategies of the biological control for tomato soilborne diseases. The advantages and disadvantages of the management strategies are discussed, and highlighted is the importance of biological control in managing the diseases in field processing tomatoes under the pressure of global climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of the Plant Pathogens)

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