Abstract: As the global population continues to grow, there is an urgent need for sustainable agricultural advancements to enhance food security while also addressing environmental concerns. Pulses, such as chickpeas, lentils, and cowpeas, play a crucial role in global nutrition and sustainable farming due to their rich protein content and ability to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. However, their cultivation faces significant threats from biotic stresses like pests, diseases, and parasitic weeds, which can lead to yield reductions of up to 30%. Biological control methods, including beneficial microorganisms such as Trichoderma species, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), have emerged as viable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Integrated pest management (IPM), which combines cultural, biological, and eco-friendly chemical methods, provides a comprehensive solution for managing pests and diseases. Recent advancements in genomics and biotechnology, such as CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene editing and marker-assisted breeding, have enabled the development of pest-resistant pulse varieties. Furthermore, endophytes have shown significance in enhancing disease resistance and promoting plant health. Traditional agricultural practices that depend on chemicals and monoculture have proven insufficient, resulting in environmental harm and increased pest resistance, consequently, there is an urgent need to transition to sustainable strategies to alleviate biotic stresses in farming.
Keywords: Environment, Sustainable, Microorganism, Monoculture, Resistance
Author: Deepika Sundriyal, Deepika Singh, Chanda Kumari and Shatakshi Shandilya
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