Relevance of Mushrooms for Biological Control of Diverse Biotic Agent Mitigating Against Agricultural Crops

Abstract

Due to its potential as an eco-friendly pest and disease control tool, the use of mushrooms in crop pest and disease management has attracted substantial attention in recent years and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical-based methods. Traditional methods of controlling pests and diseases based on utilization of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, raise concerns about environmental damage, human health risks, and the development of pesticide-resistant strains. In tackling these challenges, alternative and eco-friendly approaches have recently gained momentum. Mushrooms, a varied collection of fungi, have emerged as a promising aid in the management of agricultural pests and diseases. Several mushroom species, including Trichoderma spp., Beauveria bassiana , and Metarhizium spp. have shown promise in controlling a variety of agricultural pests and pathogens. To efficiently address agricultural hazards, these fungi use a variety of strategies, including parasitism, mycoparasitism, and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. This chapter provides a thorough discussion of the many methods of harnessing mushrooms for pest and disease management in agriculture. Furthermore, mushrooms offer additional benefits to sustainable agriculture, including their capacity to improve soil health, promote plant development, and improve crop resilience; also the biopesticidal properties of specific mushroom species, including their ability to produce secondary metabolites with pesticidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. These bioactive compounds have demonstrated efficacy against a wide variety of crop pests and diseases, making them valuable tools for comprehensive pest control approach strategies. Utilizing mushrooms for pest and disease control in agricultural systems offers a promising avenue for environmentally friendly and sustainable crop production. It is of significance to further research into mushroom-based solutions, emphasizing their potential to decrease dependence on synthetic pesticides, and enhance soil standards to contribute to the long-term viability of global food systems. As we navigate the contemporary challenges, harnessing mushroom potency in agriculture offers a compelling pathway towards a more resilient and sustainable future for food production.