Laiphrakpam Pinky Chanu, Ajit Kumar Ng, Lakshmikanta Khundrakpam, Nongmaithem Bijayalakshmi Devi, Rocky Thokchom, Laishram Lenin and H.K Sidhu
Abstract
The use of harmful chemicals to combat crop yield losses, emerging from pathogen infection, must be maintained at suspension as it deteriorates the ecosystem and adversely reduces soil fertility. On the other hand, repeated application of antibiotics triggers the genetic mutation of certain bacteria which sparks the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. Novel approaches that are strategically eco-friendly and sustainable must be introduced to overcome these losses resulting from bacterial infection. Bacteriophages are important biocontrol tools that can significantly overcome these antibiotic-resistant bacteria and have garnered research interest as an ecologically sustainable approach for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Solanaceous crops are among the most important crops globally, which are also the primary source of carbohydrates. However, infection of these important crops by bacterial pathogens drops their productivity, resulting in insufficient supply and a reduction in the Indian gross domestic product. This review emphasizes the utilization of phage-based vectors in the treatment of two major Solanaceous pathogens viz., Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas campestri spv campestris