2023, Vol. 8, Special Issue 6

Plant diseases pose a significant threat to global food security, prompting the continuous exploration of innovative solutions for their management. In recent years, the utilization of mushroom metabolites has emerged as a promising option in this pursuit. Mushroom metabolites are basically secondary metabolites which are structurally diverse and can be unique to specific plant species or microbial strains. Their chemical diversity makes them valuable for pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications. Mushroom metabolites are rich sources of bioactive compounds with diverse chemical structures. The integration of these bioactive compounds into agricultural practices has the potential to reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture while ensuring crop health and productivity. These compounds exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Their potential in suppressing plant pathogens and enhancing host plant resistance is a subject of increasing research interest. Various mushroom species, such as Agaricus, Ganoderma, Lentinus edodes, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor have been explored for their metabolites' disease control potential. This review delves into the multifaceted role of mushroom metabolites in plant disease management, offering a comprehensive overview of their mechanisms and applications. This review explores the modes of action of mushroom metabolites, including direct antimicrobial effects, induction of plant systemic resistance, and modulation of the plant microbiome. It also discusses the practical applications of mushroom metabolites in disease management, including their use in biopesticides, bio stimulants, and as biofertilizers. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of integrating mushroom metabolites into sustainable agriculture are highlighted.