The genera Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas encompass bacterial species responsible for diseases in major vegetable crops like tomato, pepper, bean, cabbage, and cauliflower, resulting in symptoms such as leaf spots, wilting, blights, and rotting. These pathogens pose significant challenges due to their ability to spread rapidly through plant tissues, contaminated soils, or water sources, making them difficult to control with conventional chemical products. As a result, there is growing interest in biopesticides, such as essential oils (EOs), which are being developed using nano- and micro-technologies to create more sustainable and effective biological control strategies. Additionally, new biological control agents (BCAs) such as antagonistic bacteria, fungi, and bacteriophages are being explored for their potential to manage bacterial phytopathogens through mechanisms like nutrient competition, antimicrobial production, quorum quenching, and systemic resistance induction.
The optimization of biocontrol potential involves developing nanoparticle-based formulations and innovative field application methods, including foliar sprays, seed coatings, and root inoculations, to enhance microbial stability, shelf life, controlled release, and field performance. This review delves into the advancements in biocontrol solutions, focusing on managing bacterial diseases in vegetable crops caused by Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas. It highlights the progress in developing EOs and other BCAs, emphasizing their potential and limitations for sustainable disease management. Despite the promise of reduced reliance on synthetic pesticides and improved crop productivity, challenges such as regulatory frameworks, BCA compatibility, and consistent field performance remain. This review aims to provide valuable insights and guidance for more effective and eco-friendly solutions against plant bacterial diseases in vegetable crops.
Giovanardi, D., Biondi, E., Biondo, N., Quiroga, N., Modica, F., Puopolo, G., & Pérez Fuentealba, S. Sustainable and innovative biological control strategies against Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato, Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. Phaseolicola and Xanthomonas spp. Affecting vegetable crops: A review. Frontiers in Plant Science, 16, 1536152. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1536152
Source: Frontiers