The art of conversation between plants and bacteria

Abstract

Plant pests and pathogens have been a serious problem for farmers for many years and have been a major threat to plant health and food production. Farmers use synthetic chemicals to improve crop yields and to control plant pathogens from destroying their crops. Chemical-based fertilizers provide immediate relief, but their excessive use also causes severe environmental problems and can have adverse effects on groundwater, plants, animals and even entire ecosystems. Many countries have banned highly toxic chemicals which are harmful to the environment. One of the key challenges facing plant biologists is the development of new technologies and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemicals for combating crop diseases. An increase in world population has resulted in a reduction in agricultural land area. However, this area will be required to produce 50% more food by 2050 to feed the 10 billion people living on the planet. Biological control plays an important role ...