Encapsulation technologies of plant growth-promoting microorganisms and microbial biological control agents against plant pathogenic organisms

As a function of the global necessity to reduce or replace the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, due to their toxicity, the formulation of microbial inoculants has been suggested as an environmentally friendly alternative for maintaining crop production at economically sustainable levels. In this connection, the microencapsulation of beneficial soil-borne microorganisms is conceived as a strategy to improve the inoculant’s efficiency, in terms of viability and functionality. In this article, we describe the most widely applied microencapsulation techniques, including the mechanisms and wall materials involved, as well as the advantages and shortcomings of using different encapsulation technologies. Moreover, the desiccation technologies used as a tool to extend the shelf-life of immobilised microbes are also explained. Finally, the outcomes of various, relatively recent studies regarding the encapsulation of plant growth-promotingmicroorganisms and biocontrol agents, including bacteriophages, are discussed. This article may contribute to the design of microbial inoculant delivery strategies, aiming to increase crop production and to reduce the utilisation of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.