Effective Use of Microbial and Plant‐Based Alternatives in Tomato Pathogen Control: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) is one of the most important vegetable crops, highly valued for its nutritional content and industrial applications. However, it is highly susceptible to infections caused by over 200 pathogens. Pesticides have traditionally been a reliable option for controlling pathogen invasions in crops, but their harmful effects are well documented. An alternative to pesticide use is biological control. This review focuses on recent research in microbiological control strategies for tomato crops. The use of bacteria to manage foliar diseases has shown great potential, particularly species from the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas , which have been widely studied between 2016 and 2023. Additionally, fungi from the genus Trichoderma play a crucial role as biological control agents, as they enhance nutrient solubilisation and uptake by plants. Another promising approach to managing tomato crop diseases involves plant‐derived extracts and essential oils. This review highlights several successful examples of microorganisms and plant extracts that have emerged as effective alternatives for disease control in tomato production.