Nature’s Protectors: A Biofilm Perspective on Bacterial Disease Control in Plants

Bacterial diseases significantly threaten agricultural productivity, necessitating innovative and sustainable approaches to disease management. Above- and belowground biofilms are essential in mitigating plant bacterial diseases. We examine aboveground biofilms, primarily located on leaf surfaces, for their ability to form protective barriers and produce antimicrobial compounds, thereby impeding the establishment of pathogenic bacteria. Concurrently, we explore belowground biofilms in the rhizosphere for their contributions to nutrient cycling, enhanced nutrient uptake, and the deployment of biocontrol agents against soilborne bacterial pathogens. Here, we employ a multidisciplinary approach by integrating molecular, microbiological, and ecological analyses to unravel the mechanisms underlying the formation and function of these beneficial biofilms. We investigate quorum sensing, microbial communication, and the intricate interplay between plant hosts and beneficial microbes to elucidate the complex networks orchestrating disease resistance. We consider environmental factors such as surface structure, temperature, and nutrient availability. We acknowledge their impact on biofilm-mediated disease management strategies relevant for controlling plant disease. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of microbial diversity within biofilms for its role in enhancing plant resilience to bacterial diseases. Overall, this chapter provides a foundation for developing targeted and sustainable strategies in bacterial disease management, underpinning the critical role of above- and belowground beneficial biofilms. Insights gained from beneficial biofilms contribute to the fundamental understanding of synergistic relationships in the plant microbiome environment and their implications for sustainable agriculture