The microbial role in the control of phytopathogens—an alternative to agrochemicals

Abstract Population growth is constantly putting pressure on the world’s demand for food. Phytopathogens and pests cause significant losses in agricultural production and are controlled mainly with agrochemical products. The search for alternative approaches—as most of such pesticides are harmful to human, animal, and environmental health—has intensified in recent decades due to popular pressure. In this sense, several studies demonstrated the positive effects of the use of microorganisms that suppress diseases in different types of crops. Plant health is deeply related to its microbiome and the soil microbial community. In this environment, several species of fungi and bacteria act as biocontrol agents, weakening the development of plantation enemies through antibiosis, nutrient competition, predation, parasitism, interference with molecular signaling, and induction of systemic resistance in plants. Some of these mechanisms and the main biocontrol agents will be discussed in this chapter.