Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 192-201 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 193 enhance the sustainability of tea agriculture. By achieving these goals, the study seeks to promote the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management practices in tea cultivation, thereby supporting the long-term viability of the tea industry. 2 Types of Beneficial Microbes 2.1 Bacteria as biocontrol agents Bacteria play a crucial role in the biological control of tea pests. Various bacterial species have been identified as effective biocontrol agents due to their antagonistic properties against plant pathogens and pests. For instance, Bacillus subtilis has been shown to suppress the growth of Fusarium oxysporum, a common plant pathogen, through competitive exclusion and production of antimicrobial compounds (Wylie and Punja, 2020). Additionally, bacterial consortia, which combine multiple bacterial strains, have demonstrated enhanced biocontrol efficacy compared to single-strain applications. This approach leverages the diverse modes of action of different bacteria, providing a broader spectrum of pest and disease control (Minchev et al., 2021). 2.2 Fungi and their role in pest control Fungi are another group of beneficial microbes extensively used in the biological control of tea pests. Entomopathogenic fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae, have been successfully employed to manage termite populations in tea crops. Field trials have shown that formulations of M. anisopliae significantly reduce termite populations without harming beneficial insects or causing phytotoxic effects on tea plants (Deka and Babu, 2021). Additionally, fungi like Paecilomyces have been reported to control nematodes and other insect pests, further highlighting their versatility as biocontrol agents (Moreno-Gavíra et al., 2020). The use of fungal consortia, similar to bacterial consortia, can also enhance the effectiveness of pest control strategies by combining different fungal species with complementary modes of action. 2.3 Viruses and their application in biocontrol Viruses, particularly entomopathogenic viruses, are emerging as potent biocontrol agents against tea pests. In China, over 80 species of viruses have been identified as natural enemies of tea pests, and several viral insecticides have been commercialized for large-scale use (Ye et al., 2014). These viruses specifically target pest species, reducing their populations without affecting non-target organisms. The application of viral biocontrol agents is part of integrated pest management (IPM) programs, which aim to minimize chemical pesticide use and its associated environmental impacts (Rahman et al., 2018). The specificity and effectiveness of viral biocontrol agents make them a valuable tool in sustainable tea pest management. In summary, the integration of bacteria, fungi, and viruses as biocontrol agents offers a multifaceted approach to managing tea pests. Each group of microbes brings unique advantages, and their combined use can lead to more robust and sustainable pest control strategies. 3 Mechanisms of Action 3.1 Antibiosis and microbial antagonism Antibiosis and microbial antagonism are critical mechanisms through which beneficial microbes exert control over tea pests. These mechanisms involve the production of antimicrobial compounds, enzymes, and secondary metabolites that inhibit the growth or activity of pathogens and pests. For instance, microbial consortia composed of beneficial bacteria and fungi have been shown to effectively control both root and foliar pathogens in tomato plants through direct microbial antagonism (Minchev et al., 2021). Similarly, Actinobacteria, a significant component of the rhizosphere microbiome, produce pest-antagonistic secondary metabolites and enzymes that contribute to pathogen suppression (Ebrahimi-Zarandi et al., 2022). The use of microbial bio-agents as elicitors in plant defense mechanisms also highlights the role of antibiosis, where microbes produce antimicrobial compounds that directly inhibit phytopathogens (Figure 1).
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