Bacteriophage cocktails as antibacterial agents in crop protection

The control of plant diseases using bacteriophages, as biological control agents (BCAs) is feasible and has been augmented recently. Also, the plant pathogenic bacteria evolve bacteriophage resistance, therefore, a single bacteriophage sometime fails due to host range and bacterial resistance, in natural conditions. In recent research, a combination of several bacteriophages has been reported as a precise scheme of biocontrol of diverse bacterial phytopathogens. This review is an insight into the beneficial science of formulating bacteriophage consortia or 'cocktail' for plant disease management. The review also explores the status of research in the area and explores the impediments and solutions for success in application of bacteriophage consortia for plant disease management and sustainable agriculture.