Role of <i>Pseudomonas</i> Bacteria and Their Metabolites in the Biocontrol of Phytopathogenic Microorganisms

Abstract

The current knowledge on the prospects of using bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas as producers of effective microbiological preparations for the biocontrol of phytopathogenic organisms is summarized and analyzed. Rhizospheric pseudomonads are potential objects of agricultural biotechnology due to the presence of physiological and biochemical features necessary for biocontrol and phytostimulation. These features include tolerance to reactive oxygen species, chemotaxis in relation to root exudates, biosynthesis of siderophores and antibiotic metabolites of various nature. Members of the genus Pseudomonas are known for their great metabolic diversity, which allows them to colonize a wide range of ecological niches, including the rhizosphere. Pseudomonas species isolated from the rhizosphere have a broader catabolic activity than those isolated from the bulk soil, especially for certain sugars, polyols, and amino acids that can be found in root exudates. The wide metabolic diversity allows bacteria to become ubiquitous, forming protective biofilms and colonizing various ecological niches. At the same time, water-retaining capacity, fertility and porosity of the soil, as well as the conditions of mineral nutrition of plants are improved by increasing the availability of N, P, K and Fe. The paper describes in detail the main biologically active metabolites produced by Pseudomonas and their role in the suppression of phytopathogens and phytostimulation.