Microbial-based biocontrol of Fusarium species causing wheat crown rot: current status and future prospects

• Bacillus , Pseudomonas and Trichoderma combat Fusarium spp effectively. • mBCAs utilize various strategies to inhibit the fungal growth. • WCR disease severity in wheat is reduced significantly. Fusarium species are major pathogens that significantly reduce wheat productivity. It is quite understood that chemical fungicides are efficient in disease management, however their adverse effects that continue to pose threat to human health and the environment necessitates the need for alternative strategies. In order to solve this problem, scientists have conducted researches and explored environmentally friendly approaches including microbial control to curtail the adverse effects of Fusarium spp. causing wheat crown rot (WCR) disease. Based on existing researches conducted in recent time and the past few years, the current study showed that microbial control agents including bacteria of the genera Bacillus , Pseudomonas among others play key role in the biocontrol of WCR disease. At the same time, fungal and viral control agents such as Trichoderma and megabirnavirus showed promising control effects against Fusarium spp. These biocontrol agents utilize competition for nutrient or space, synthesized secondary metabolites, volatile organic compounds, induced systemic resistance, produce enzymes or alter genes expression. These prevent early infection, degrades Fusarium spp. cell wall, and inhibits mycelial growth which further reduced WCR disease severity. In this study, we highlighted some hypotheses and suggests future perspectives for subsequent studies in order to ensure sustainable field application of microbial control agents (MCAs).