Just like humans, plants can also suffer from diseases caused by bacterial infections. The origins of plant bacteriology date back to 1878, marked by the discovery of fire blight disease in pear plants by Thomas Jonathan Burrill.
Losses in agricultural production caused by bacterial plant diseases vary depending on the type of disease. Although economic valuation studies are still limited, global economic losses are estimated to reach up to US$49.6 billion annually.
Professor Tri Joko, a lecturer at the Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Agriculture UGM), stated that while bacteria can indeed cause various diseases in plants, they also play a significant role in maintaining plant health.
Certain bacteria found in plants can actually be utilized to combat plant pests.
Biological control using natural enemies, such as antagonistic bacteria, offers a promising alternative.
The use of bacteria, such as Bacillus, Streptomyces, and Pseudomonas, as biological control agents (BCAs) to manage major plant diseases has long been recognized and extensively studied.
“Bacteria have been widely used to control insect pests and parasitic nematodes in plants,” said Professor Joko during his inauguration as a professor of plant bacteriology at Agriculture UGM, on Tuesday, Jul. 1, 2025, at the UGM Senate Hall.
Professor Joko cited one of his previous studies, in which BCA bacteria also played an indirect role in plant health through biochemical signaling mechanisms.
The interaction between plants and bacteria in the rhizosphere is a key determinant of plant health, productivity, and soil fertility.
“In addition, bacteria can also promote plant growth directly through various mechanisms, including the provision of growth factors,” he added.
Professor Joko went on to elaborate on the concept of sustainable agriculture that does not negatively impact the environment or agricultural ecosystems.
The use and introduction of bacteria as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and superior BCAs will be effective if managed with a proper understanding.
The interaction between bacteria and plants has evolved toward a mutual balance in which both organisms benefit.
“Integrating bacteria with plant disease management techniques can become a sustainable agricultural approach that reduces the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides,” Professor Joko concluded.
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie