Perspective Chapter: Tapping Significance of Microbial Surfactants as a Biopesticide and Synthetic Pesticide Remediator – An Ecofriendly Approach for Maintaining the Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Pests are the major concern for plant infections that affect the agriculture production drastically and result in the loss of economy. Regular use of synthetic chemicals develops resistance in pests and affects soil, plant, and human health. The development and promotion of green technology facilitated by microbiota helps in maintaining a healthy environment. Molecules of microbial origin are well-known elicitors for stimulating and sustaining the plant immune system and fertility level of the soil. They compete with the pathogens for resources like food and space, activate the inherent defenses of plants, synthesize antimicrobial chemicals, or other metabolites that degrade and remediate synthetic chemicals. Biosurfactant (BS) is an important amphiphilic molecule with polar and non-polar. Its structure contributes to its high biodegradability, low toxicity, and stability in harsh environments. In the chapter, the multifunctional properties of biosurfactants, methods used for evaluating their biosurfactant producing abilities, methods used for identification, and characterization of the chemical structure of biosurfactants, along with the significance of metagenomics documented. The mechanisms of biosurfactants in controlling the growth of pests and their importance as pesticide remediations are also discussed.