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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp5 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Phage therapy: An eco-friendly technique for managing bacterial diseases in plants

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12337
Submitted
18 October 2025
Published
01-07-2026

Abstract

Bacterial diseases pose serious threats to crops and conventional chemical treatments not only harm the environment but also contribute to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophage therapy is a targeted and environmentally friendly alternative that specifically eradicates harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial microorganisms. Phages are composed of proteins and nucleic acids, which infect bacteria through either lytic or temperate cycles. While temperate phages are valuable in genetic engineering and diagnostics due to their ability to integrate their genomes, lytic phages, which destroy host cells, are preferred for controlling plant diseases. Environmental factors significantly influence the survival and effectiveness of phages in soil and on plant surfaces. Phage mobility can be restricted by pH, temperature, water content and soil composition. Techniques such as the application of phage-derived proteins (e.g., endolysins), combining phages with antimicrobial agents and the use of phage cocktails have been employed to enhance efficacy. Moreover, phage stability under harsh environmental conditions, particularly UV exposure on leaf surfaces, can be improved through formulations such as encapsulation with protective substances (e.g., corn flour, skim milk). Despite promising results in greenhouse trials, open-field applications remain challenging due to unstable environmental conditions and the rapid decline of phage populations. Since in vitro performance often does not correspond with field results, more comprehensive field testing is still required for phage therapy. With continued research and appropriate regulatory support, phages could become effective and sustainable tools for managing plant diseases.

 

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