[10] Induction of resistance in antagonism refers to the ability of an antagonistic bacterium to activate a host's defense mechanisms through biochemical changes, such as the production of pathogenesis-related proteins or antimicrobial compounds, thereby enhancing the plant's immunity locally or systemically against pathogens.
[11] For example, Bacillus subtilis induces systemic resistance in plants by triggering the production of pathogenesis-related proteins and antimicrobial compounds, offering protection against fungal pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea.
[14] Plant diseases are typically managed using synthetic pesticides, however, their use can lead to environmental contamination, reduced biological diversity, the development of resistance in pathogens, and risks to human and animal health.
[15] Antagonism plays a critical role in agriculture, particularly in the development of biological control agent (BCAs) to manage phytopathogens and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides.
For example, endophyte microorganisms found inside guarana seeds and rhizospheric soil have shown their ability to fight harmful pathogens, making them promising candidates for BCAs.
[17][18] Preharvest applications of antagonistic microbes, such as Burkholderia spinosa on bananas and Pantoea agglomerans on citrus, have successfully reduced diseases caused by pathogens such as Penicillium digitatum and Colletotrichum acutatum.