Siderophore producing bacteria as biocontrol agent against phytopathogens for a better environment: A review

Siderophores are iron-chelating compounds produced by various fungi, yeast, bacteria, and a few plants, having significant potential in biocontrol activities. The success of siderophore producing bacteria as biocontrol agents depend on multiple factors, including their affinity for iron, quantity of siderophore production, stability of the Fe-siderophore complex, the presence of receptors for different siderophores, and the interaction between the pathogen and the biocontrol agent (bacteria) used. The acquisition of iron involves various proteins that make this essential nutrient unavailable to the target pathogen (fungi/bacteria), thus bolstering the biocontrol activity. Siderophores offer eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable characteristics, making them a preferable alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic chelating agents. However, before releasing bacteria as biocontrol agents, comprehensive testing is necessary to ensure their safety and efficacy and to maximize the potential of siderophore producing bacteria as biocontrol agents, such factors must be considered. Recent advances have shown potential in utilizing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that produce siderophores as efficient biocontrol agents and can greatly contribute to their successful implementation as sustainable crop protection strategies. This review focuses on siderophore producing bacteria, iron acquisition by siderophores, and their potential role in defending plants from phytopathogens by limiting iron availability.

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