Bioprospecting New-Generation Biocontrol Strategies: A Viable Solution for Attaining Agricultural Security and Food Safety

Abstract

The present agroecological system traces back a long history of indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which stands as a major loophole in leaving the soil unhealthy, promoting environmental degradation, reduction in crop quality, mismanaged insect-pest and disease population and acerbating health issues. This chapter highlights the present need and relevance of “new-generation biocontrol agents” for restoring back the productive nature of soil, hence marking the path of agricultural sustainability and food security. It further adds to the quality of soil and effective management, safeguards mechanism and provides security provisions for all the aspects related to ecological concerns, so that food safety and quality, respectively, can be assured to the end users. In addition, today’s era demands for alternative effective strategies which combat with the issues regarding biological security and safety, where incorporating the physiochemical and biological agents does not pose any type of harm or hazard to the biotic and abiotic resources. So, it can be concluded that a channelization process is needed to divert from “chemical cultivation procedures” to eco-friendly “microbial consortiums”, which ensures value-added quality produce (free from toxic residues) to finally revert agricultural processes towards attainment of food security and safety at a global scale.