Microbial toxins in biocontrol enhancement strategies

Fungal metabolites have been intensively studied due to the risks posed to human and animal health when these toxins accumulate in agricultural commodities and are absorbed through nourishment. These toxins have also been evaluated as new bioactive metabolites to use as pharmaceuticals. However, little has been studied about the possibility of using toxic metabolites to enhance, directly or indirectly, the efficacy of biocontrol agents. The chapter considers some of these possibilities, as general strategies, mainly referring to the use of phytotoxins in weed biocontrol, such as their use as sources of natural pesticides, new derivatives, possible syntheses, overexpression, synergy with agents, biomarkers.