Harnessing Bacteriophages for Sustainable Crop Protection in the Face of Climate Change

Abstract

Crop pathogens represent a major challenge to global food security, causing over 40% yield losses in key crops and annual economic impacts estimated at up to US$290 billion. Microbial-based alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals offer sustainable solutions aligned with global initiatives like the European Union's Green Deal. Among these, bacteriophage (phage) therapy has gained attention for its specificity, effectiveness against plant pathogens and safety for crops. Here, we highlight recent research on phage therapy strategies and their potential utility in sustainable agriculture, showcasing its effectiveness in reducing phytopathogen densities, delaying plant disease onset, and enriching plant-associated bacterial taxa with biocontrol potential. Phage cocktails improve biocontrol, mitigate resistance, and synergize with other biological and chemical agents. Emerging technologies like engineered phages also promise enhanced efficacy. Addressing challenges like phytopathogen resistance, field inconsistencies, and regulatory hurdles is crucial to integrating phage therapy into sustainable agriculture under climate stress.