Biocontrol and beyond: the versatile roles of Streptomyces in agriculture

The demand for increased food output is increasing with the expansion of the global population. The demands for a safe environment, safe food, and chemical-free farming methods are also increasing. Streptomyces is the most prevalent and prominent genus among actinomycetes. Streptomyces spp. are a good source of extracellular enzymes, antibiotics, and bioactive chemicals. A significant fraction of the soil microbial population is composed of actinomycetes. Streptomyces spp. are common soil-dwelling organisms that are rarely pathogenic to plants. They compete with soil-borne pathogens for space and nutrition, suppress plant pathogens by producing antibiotic and antimicrobial compounds, and promote plant growth by producing growth hormones and mobilizing complex nutrients into biologically available forms. They also elicit plant immune responses by inducing systemic resistance in plants. As they are abundant in soil, their application as biocontrol agents has been proven beneficial, economical, and eco-friendly. Therefore, this review focuses on the potential of Streptomyces to contribute to sustainable agriculture.