Abstract
Organic agriculture has significantly expanded over the years, increasing
population. The productive methodology adopted in globalized agricultural systems
reinforced the need to develop technologies that reduce the problems caused by the
excessive use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Some progress is being made by
applying yeasts in agriculture due to the advantages associated with their use, such as
promoting plant growth, biological control, inhibition of pathogens, and production of
phytohormones. This chapter discusses studies that demonstrate the potential of yeasts
in agriculture for biocontrol and plant growth. Yeasts are widely disseminated in the
soil, increase and promote biological control, and show positive and promising results
in the management of various phytopathogens. The interactions of these organisms
influence multiple processes, such as the mineralization of organic matter in the soil,
nutrient cycle, disease and weed control, and ecological balance. Efforts must be made
to enable the production and application of yeasts as control agents in agriculture.
Considering the diversity of yeast species present in the soil, their morphological,
physiological, and phenotypic properties, understanding interactions and environmental
effects integrating an ecological scenario is the key to good agricultural practices in a
more sustainable context.
Keywords: Biological control, Growth promotion, Organic agriculture, Sustainability, Yeasts.
