Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 192-201 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 198 and biodiversity, crucial for sustainable tea cultivation. Additionally, microbial biocontrol agents can be integrated into existing pest management systems, reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals and promoting a healthier ecosystem (Rahman et al., 2018). 6.2 Cost-effectiveness of biological control strategies Biological control strategies using microbial agents are not only environmentally beneficial but also cost-effective. The application of microbial consortia, which includes carefully selected and compatible beneficial microorganisms, has demonstrated extended functionality and effectiveness in controlling a wide range of plant diseases, thereby reducing the need for multiple chemical treatments. This approach can lead to significant cost savings for tea growers by decreasing the expenditure on chemical pesticides and mitigating the economic losses associated with pest resistance and crop damage (Deka et al., 2022). Furthermore, the development and commercialization of microbial biopesticides have shown promising results in field trials, indicating their potential for widespread adoption in the tea industry (Sarmah et al., 2020). 6.3 Long-term sustainability and market impact The long-term sustainability of microbial biocontrol strategies is evident in their ability to provide consistent pest management while preserving the ecological balance of tea plantations. The use of microbial biocides has been shown to reduce disease severity significantly, promoting sustainable tea cultivation practices. Moreover, ecological pest management (EPM) approaches, which incorporate microbial biocontrol agents, have been associated with improved tea biomass, quality, and economic returns. These sustainable practices not only enhance the resilience of tea production systems but also contribute to the overall marketability of tea by ensuring lower pesticide residues and higher quality products (Idris et al., 2020). The positive environmental and economic impacts of microbial biocontrol strategies underscore their potential to transform tea pest management and support the long-term viability of the tea industry. 7 Challenges and Limitations 7.1 Challenges in microbial biocontrol application The application of microbial biocontrol agents in tea plantations faces several challenges. One significant issue is the inconsistency in the effectiveness of biocontrol agents under field conditions. While laboratory results are often promising, translating these findings to the field can be problematic due to environmental variability and the complex interactions within the ecosystem (Rahman et al., 2018). Additionally, the formulation and delivery methods of microbial consortia need to be optimized to ensure the survival and efficacy of the microbes in diverse environmental conditions (Minchev et al., 2021). Another challenge is the potential for non-target effects, where beneficial microbes might inadvertently affect non-target organisms, including beneficial insects or native microbial communities. 7.2 Limitations in current research and practices Current research on microbial biocontrol is still in its nascent stages, with many studies focusing on a limited number of microbial strains and their interactions with specific pests or pathogens. This narrow focus can limit the generalizability of findings and the development of broad-spectrum biocontrol agents (Qadri et al., 2020). Moreover, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between microbial biocontrol agents, plants, and pests, which hinders the development of more effective and reliable biocontrol strategies. The scalability of laboratory findings to field applications remains a significant hurdle, as does the need for more extensive field trials to validate the efficacy and safety of these biocontrol agents. 7.3 Regulatory and public acceptance issues Regulatory frameworks for the approval and use of microbial biocontrol agents are often stringent and can vary significantly between regions, posing a barrier to the widespread adoption of these technologies. The process of gaining regulatory approval can be time-consuming and costly, which may deter investment and innovation in this field. Additionally, public acceptance of microbial biocontrol agents can be a challenge, as there may be concerns about the safety and environmental impact of introducing new microorganisms into agricultural ecosystems.
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