Biocontrol refers to the use of living organisms, such as beneficial microorganisms, to control pests and diseases in agriculture. This approach is an integral part of sustainable agriculture as it reduces reliance on chemical pesticides and minimizes enviromental impact.

The key mechanisms of biocontrol include:
• ANTIBIOSIS – this involves the production of antibiotics or other antimicrobial compounds by biocontrol agents that inhibit pathogens
• COMPETITION – beneficial organisms compete with pathogens for nutrients and space, effectively reducing the pathogen’s ability to thrive and cause diseases
• INDUCED RESISTANCE – certain biocontrol agents can stimulate the plant’s own defense mechanisms, making them more resistant to attacks by pathogens
• PREDATION – in this case, biocontrol agents act as predators, directly consuming pathogens
• PRODUCTION OF ENZYMES – these enzymes can break down the cell walls of pathogens, leading to their destruction
• PRODUCTION OF SIDEROPHORES – these are compounds that sequester iron from the environment, making it less available to pathogens and thus inhibiting their growth