Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of microbial bio-agents as elicitors in the defense system of plants under biotic stress. Biotic stress poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, and sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides are increasingly sought after. Microbial bio-agents, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, have emerged as potential elicitors, triggering defense responses in plants. The phenomenon of Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR), wherein plants exhibit enhanced resistance to pathogens after exposure to specific microorganisms, is a key mechanism explored in this assessment. The study delves into the modulation of defense signaling pathways, such as jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET), by microbial bio-agents. While the potential benefits are promising, challenges such as specificity, environmental conditions, and formulation methods need to be addressed for practical and widespread application. The findings underscore the importance of continued research in harnessing the power of microbial bio-agents for sustainable agriculture.