Fungi play a pivotal role in agriculture and ecosystem management, particularly as biocontrol agents that offer sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. This chapter delves into the multifunctionality and diversity of antagonistic fungi with biocontrol potential. We explored the taxonomy and classification of these fungi and highlighted their diverse species and unique capabilities. The key mechanisms of antagonism, including the production of secondary metabolites, competition for resources, and induction of systemic resistance in host plants, were examined in detail. The chapter further discusses a wide array of biocontrol applications, from managing plant pathogens and postharvest diseases to controlling insect pests. Environmental and ecological impacts, including effects on nontarget organisms and ecosystem dynamics, were critically evaluated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecological ramifications of these fungi. Advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering that enhance the efficacy of fungal biocontrol agents are presented along with future prospects and challenges in the field. Through detailed case studies and success stories, this chapter highlights the significant contributions of fungal biocontrol agents and offers insights into future research directions and practical applications.

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Multifunctionality and Diversity of Antagonistic Potential Fungi as Biocontrol Agent

  • Neha Kamboj,
  • Priya Chugh,
  • W. P. T. Wijenayake,
  • Debasis Mitra,
  • P. Panneerselvam,
  • Rahul Kumar

摘要

Fungi play a pivotal role in agriculture and ecosystem management, particularly as biocontrol agents that offer sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. This chapter delves into the multifunctionality and diversity of antagonistic fungi with biocontrol potential. We explored the taxonomy and classification of these fungi and highlighted their diverse species and unique capabilities. The key mechanisms of antagonism, including the production of secondary metabolites, competition for resources, and induction of systemic resistance in host plants, were examined in detail. The chapter further discusses a wide array of biocontrol applications, from managing plant pathogens and postharvest diseases to controlling insect pests. Environmental and ecological impacts, including effects on nontarget organisms and ecosystem dynamics, were critically evaluated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecological ramifications of these fungi. Advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering that enhance the efficacy of fungal biocontrol agents are presented along with future prospects and challenges in the field. Through detailed case studies and success stories, this chapter highlights the significant contributions of fungal biocontrol agents and offers insights into future research directions and practical applications.