Association of L-form Bacteria with Plants and their Application in Biological Control of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Bacteria: A Review

L-form bacteria with modified or no cell walls are a special group of bacteria derived or induced from cell walled forms following suppression of their rigid cell wall. They have been used to establish non-pathogenic symbioses with a wide range of plants. These L-form-plant symbioses have been shown to confer resistance against the subsequent challenge of the associated plants by both fungal and bacterial pathogens. As the world population increases, the demand for food also increases and hence control of plant diseases is of paramount importance in producing enough agricultural crops to fulfil the food demand. Plant disease management using chemical fungicides and pesticides etc. is not an ecofriendly approach and hence researchers look for alternative options such as the use of biocontrol agents which are ecofriendly and sustainable. This review paper highlights the published information on the potential of applying L-form bacteria as a biological control agent in management of plant diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms.