Title: Actinobacteria as eco-friendly biopesticides: A sustainable approach to pest management
Abstract:
Actinobacteria, a phylogenetically and metabolically diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria, have garnered substantial attention for their potential applications in sustainable agriculture, particularly as biopesticides. These microorganisms are prolific producers of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities, making them integral to biologically based pest management strategies. Among the Actinobacteria, genera such as Streptomyces, Micromonospora, and Saccharopolyspora have been extensively studied for their capacity to suppress phytopathogens through the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, including antibiotics, lytic enzymes, siderophores, and volatile organic compounds. The efficacy of Actinobacteria as biocontrol agents is mediated by multiple mechanisms, including the direct inhibition of pathogen growth via metabolite production, degradation of pathogen structural components through extracellular enzymes, and indirect mechanisms such as induced systemic resistance (ISR) and enhanced rhizosphere competence. In addition to their pest-suppressive properties, Actinobacteria promote plant health by improving nutrient bioavailability and producing phytohormones, thereby conferring dual benefits in agricultural systems. Advances in genomics, metabolomics, and bioengineering have further elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the biocontrol activities of Actinobacteria, facilitating the identification of novel strains with superior pesticidal capabilities. Their application within integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks presents a viable alternative to chemical pesticides, addressing environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic agrochemicals. This review critically examines the potential of Actinobacteria as biopesticides, emphasizing their ecological benefits, mode of action, and scalability in sustainable agricultural practices.
Keywords: Actinobacteria, Pesticides, Pest Management, agriculture sustainability
