Agricultural biocontrol potential of bacterial volatile organic compounds (bVOCs) for enhanced crop protection

Plant diseases and insect pests present significant challenges to agricultural productivity, while nutritional deficiencies impede plant growth. Recent research has focused on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which regulate soil microbial populations and play an important role in geochemical nutrient cycles. Among the emerging strategies, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by soil and plant microbiota offer promising eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, with potential applications in disease control, growth promotion, and stress resistance.
This review explores the diverse applications of bacterial volatile organic compounds (bVOCs) in agriculture, detailing the progression from understanding their composition to their practical implementation in the field. Emphasizing their environmentally friendly nature, bVOCs have shown efficacy in controlling pathogenic fungi and insects, inducing plant stress resistance, and promoting growth. Furthermore, leveraging VOC-'omics approaches can help unravel the complexities of bacterial volatile metabolites and their pathways, providing unique insights into their biocontrol mechanisms. This knowledge paves the way for developing innovative biological solutions to enhance sustainability in agriculture. Additionally, the review analyzes recent patent trends, showcasing notable inventions in bVOCs technologies and formulations, over the past decade. However, despite these advancements, challenges such as high processing costs and lengthy screening procedures remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. Overcoming these obstacles and ensuring plant quality through continued research are crucial for accelerating the integration of VOCs into mainstream agricultural practices.