FUNGI IN BIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PLANT DISEASES: CURRENT AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

The fungal genera have a wide range of natural and commercial applications. Apart from the pertinent role in the ecosystem, the antagonistic characteristics of the fungal species have been utilised as biological control agents (BCA) in plant disease management (PDM). PDM is an integral component of agriculture as millions of agricultural produces are lost due to plant diseases annually. With the current emphasis on sustainable developments in the agriculture sector globally, the green approach offers a safe control against plant pathogens. Disease suppression by fungal biological control agents (FBCAs) is also comparable to the synthetic chemical application due to the current advancement in technology. Alas, despite the huge number of candidates screened and identified as potential FBCAs, the commercialisation of these FBCAs does not succeed as anticipated. Therefore, this review comprehensively highlights and discusses fungal genera as BCA, and the necessary changes required in research and development to enhance PDM. The future research on PDM needs to shift from its current focus on traditional screening and targeting modes of action in FBCA to strengthening the formulation, effective delivery modes, microbial population persistence and influence of environmental parameters to achieve a successful control.