Abstract

RHIZOSPHERIC STREPTOMYCES AS A GAME-CHANGER IN TEA DISEASE SUPPRESSION

Ajay Pathak, Rajkumari Maurya, Abhay Km Pandey, Tulika Mishra*

ABSTRACT

The sustainability of tea cultivation is increasingly threatenedby diverse fungal phytopathogens that impair leaf quality,reduce biomass, and significantly limit yield. Conventionalchemical fungicides, while effective, pose escalating concernsrelated to environmental toxicity, pathogen resistance, and foodsafety. Addressing these challenges requires a paradigm shifttoward biologically driven plant protection strategies. In thiscontext, the present study explores the biocontrol potential ofStreptomyces spp. as a robust and eco-compatible alternativefor disease management in tea ecosystems. Renowned for theirprolific production of bioactive secondary metabolites and lyticenzymes, Streptomyces species exhibit strong antifungalactivity against a wide range of phytopathogens. Beyond directantagonism, their ability to establish stable populations in therhizosphere enables the activation of induced systemicresistance and improved nutrient dynamics in host plants. Thisstudy further evaluates their adaptability and functional efficiency in the acidic soilcharacteristic of tea plantations, highlighting their ecological resilience. The findingsemphasize the potential of Streptomyces-based bio-inoculants as a sustainable intervention toreduce chemical dependency, enhance plant health, and promote long-term agricultural resilience. This approach aligns with global efforts toward environmentally responsible and integrated disease management in high-value plantation crops.

Keywords: Streptomyces, Biocontrol, Camellia sinensis Microbial antagonism, Sustainable agriculture.