FUNGAL BIOCONTROL AGENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PLANT DISEASES

The world is facing significant challenges to crop protection in agricultural production under increasing population pressure and climate change. In this context, biological protection methods offer substantial potential for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management. In addition, it will be possible to eliminate the concerns and threats regarding the effects of chemical control, which has become a prominent issue in the world, on human and environmental health. Although biological control of pests seems to be at the forefront, scientists’ close observation of nature and their intensive studies based on the knowledge they have gained through observation have shown that it is possible to control plant diseases with biological methods. Studies on fungi and oomycetes, which constitute an important group of microorganisms used in biological control, are progressing rapidly. This book aims to pave the way for further research in this challenging but promising field and contribute to further exploring the potential of fungal biocontrol agents in plant protection. We thank all the researchers, authors, and contributors who contributed to its preparation. We hope it will contribute to the body of knowledge in the field and inspire readers to further consider fungal biological control agents.