Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Lindsey Price Burbank* and Angel Guerrero

Abstract:

Insect pests have plagued agriculture throughout history, and management of crop pests requires continuous innovation. Bacteria and other microbes are important tools for insect pest control through pathogenic activity, production of toxic secondary metabolites, and promotion of plant defenses. Additionally, bacteria present in agricultural environments often possess the ability to metabolize agricultural chemicals and can therefore be used to mitigate environmental impacts of agriculture. Only a small percentage of bacteria from plant and insect sources have been studied however, while there is a wealth of microbial diversity that is still unused. As the need for agricultural productivity increases and climate change shifts patterns of pest and disease, it is important to explore a wider range of bacterial species with potential for biological pest control and bioremediation applications. This review outlines some of the history of bacterial biological control, use of bacteria-derived agrochemicals, bacteria-mediated insecticide resistance, and current understanding of bacteria-insect-plant interactions. Suggestions are also provided for further research in this area to broaden the range of sustainable pest control options.

Key words:Insecticides, Biological control, Agriculture, Beneficial bacteria, Pest management

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