Microbial Secondary Metabolites and Their Use in Achieving Sustainable Agriculture: Present Achievements and Future Challenges
Bettina Berquó Marks, Marco Antônio Nogueira, Mariangela Hungría
Abstract
The agricultural sector faces serious challenges due to climate change, threatening global food security. In addition to economic impacts, decreasing agricultural production jeopardizes nutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations. The implementation of mitigation actions and sustainable alternatives becomes urgent. In this context, microbial secondary metabolites (MSMs) emerge as a promising solution. Some of these molecules have the potential to strengthen soil health, increase plant resistance to pests and adverse weather conditions, and improve nutrient availability, for example, LCOs (lipochitooligosaccharides) to improve legume nodulation and several other physiological changes in the plant, and several pyrazines with biocontrol potential. However, although the potential benefits are clear, the industrial viability of commercially using these compounds has not yet been fully established. In addition, the connection of the academic research on MSMs with their potential role in agriculture as bio-inputs is still limited. This review aims to contribute to filling the gaps by aggregating information on the classification, application, and synthesis of these molecules. Additionally, we discuss strategies and technologies that could enhance the use of MSMs in agriculture.