Chitinolytic Endophytic Bacteria as Biocontrol Agents for Phytopathogenic Fungi and Nematode Pests: A Review

Cultivation of crops and other plants is crucial and always at a risk due to the attack by phytopathogens. Among these pathogens, fungi are considered to be the predominant pathogens responsible for a range of diseases in plants and a drastic decrease in crop yields. Currently, there is an increasing public concern on the continuous use of agrochemicals to control the pathogens and pests causing diseases in plants. Several kinds of research have been conducted to find less hazardous options for controlling plant pathogens among which the biological control using the microorganisms has been demonstrated to be a feasible alternative. Endophytic microorganisms, especially chitinolytic bacteria can act successfully as biocontrol agents and improve plant health and yield by controlling plant pathogens and pests and suppressing plant diseases. In the context of fungal disease management, chitinases can enhance the plant defense system by acting on chitin, the major component of fungal cell walls and render them inactive without causing negative impacts on plants.