Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 208-217 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 213 Figure 2 Illustration of the use and impact of probiotics in aquaculture systems (Adopted from Srirengaraj et al., 2023) 6 Challenges and Limitations 6.1 Ecological impact and non-target effects The introduction of microbial predators as biocontrol agents can have significant ecological impacts, particularly concerning non-target effects. Generalist predators, which do not exclusively target specific pests, pose a risk to non-target species, potentially disrupting local ecosystems. For instance, the presence of alternative prey can reduce the efficacy of biocontrol agents, as seen with the notonectid Anisops debilis, which showed a preference for daphniid prey over mosquito larvae, thereby diminishing its impact on the target mosquito population (Cuthbert et al., 2020). The establishment and dispersal of biocontrol agents in new environments require careful risk assessments to evaluate their potential non-target effects and ecological impacts. The complexity of microbial interactions within biofilms and the broader microbial community further complicates the prediction of ecological outcomes, as seen with Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs). 6.2 Development of resistance in target organisms The development of resistance in target organisms is a significant challenge in the use of microbial predators as biocontrol agents. Just as pathogens can develop resistance to chemical pesticides, they can also evolve mechanisms to evade biocontrol agents. For example, the use of bacteriophages in food safety highlights the potential for bacterial pathogens to develop resistance to phage predation, which could undermine the long-term efficacy of phage-based biocontrol strategies (Endersen and Coffey, 2020). Similarly, the interactions between microbial predators and their prey in biofilms suggest that prey organisms may develop resistance mechanisms that could reduce the effectiveness of biocontrol agents over time. Therefore, continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies are essential to mitigate the risk of resistance development.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==