Editorial: Utilization of microbiome to develop disease resistance in crop plants against phytopathogens

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture is important for ensuring food security at an affordable cost. Agricultural practices heavily depend on agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides, to ensure optimal productivity and prevent losses due to pathogens and pests. However, with time, it has become clear that most commonly used agrochemicals have residual side effects on consumers, soil health, and the environment. Hence, developing newer environmentally friendly approaches to ensure crop productivity, with minimal usage of agrochemicals, is highly desirable. The potential of plant/rhizospheric soilassociated microbes to support the overall growth of plants and provide protection against phytopathogens has been actively studied in recent years.