Bioscience Methods 2026, Vol.17, No.1, 1-8 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 6 6.2 Regulatory and commercialization hurdles The regulatory landscape for biocontrol agents poses significant hurdles to their commercialization and widespread adoption. The process of obtaining regulatory approval for new biocontrol agents is often lengthy and complex, involving rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy. This can be a deterrent for companies looking to invest in the development and commercialization of biocontrol products. Additionally, the economic feasibility of biocontrol agents is influenced by the costs associated with their development and regulatory approval. For example, the introduction of biocontrol for wireworms in potato cultivation has been found to be economically viable, but the high costs and regulatory hurdles can limit the adoption of such strategies (Benjamin and Wesseler, 2016; Naqqash et al., 2020). These challenges underscore the need for streamlined regulatory processes and economic incentives to promote the use of biocontrol agents in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. 6.3 Compatibility with conventional agricultural practices Integrating biocontrol agents into conventional agricultural practices presents another set of challenges. Biocontrol agents must be compatible with existing farming practices and other pest management strategies to be effective. For instance, the use of Bacillus subtilis EG21 and its metabolites has shown promise in controlling potato pathogens, but its integration into conventional farming systems requires careful consideration of its interactions with other agricultural inputs and practices (Alfiky et al., 2022). The success of biocontrol agents often depends on their ability to work synergistically with other methods in IPM programs. The combination of multiple biocontrol agents or their integration with chemical treatments can enhance efficacy, but this requires a thorough understanding of their modes of action and potential interactions (Wang and Long, 2023). Ensuring compatibility with conventional practices is crucial for the successful adoption and implementation of biocontrol strategies in potato cultivation. 7 Innovations in Biocontrol Agent Development And Deployment 7.1 Discovery of novel biocontrol strains The discovery of novel biocontrol strains has been pivotal in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, Bacillus subtilis EG21 has shown significant antagonistic potential against potato pathogens Phytophthora infestans and Rhizoctonia solani, producing stable antifungal metabolites such as cyclic lipopeptides. Similarly, Bacillus sp. JC12GB43 has demonstrated near-complete inhibition of Phytophthora and Fusarium species under specific environmental conditions, although it can also stimulate pathogen proliferation under certain stress conditions (Cray et al., 2016; Yang and Fu, 2024). Another promising strain, Bacillus velezensis K-9, has been effective in managing potato scab, significantly reducing disease symptoms and increasing potato yield (Ma et al., 2023). Brevibacillus laterosporus BL12 has been shown to suppress potato common scab by altering the soil bacterial community, promoting beneficial bacteria that aid in disease control. 7.2 Advanced formulation techniques Advanced formulation techniques are crucial for enhancing the efficacy and stability of biocontrol agents. The metabolites produced by Bacillus subtilis EG21, for example, have been found to be stable under high-temperature/pressure treatments and extreme pH values, making them suitable for various agricultural applications (Alfiky et al., 2022). The combination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and endophytic strain Epicoccum nigrum ASU11 has also been effective in controlling potato blackleg, with the biocontrol agents promoting systemic plant resistance and enhancing potato growth (Bagy et al., 2019). The complete genome sequencing of Streptomyces angustmyceticus CQUSa03 has provided insights into its potential for producing a variety of antagonistic compounds, providing a basis for the development of robust biocontrol formulations (Luo et al., 2022). 7.3 Data-driven optimization of biocontrol application Data-driven approaches are essential for optimizing the application of biocontrol agents. For instance, the population dynamics and gene expression of Pseudomonas fluorescens LBUM223 have been studied to understand its biocontrol efficacy against potato common scab. High populations of LBUM223 and increased expression of the phenazine-1-carboxylic acid biosynthetic gene were associated with effective disease control
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