Objective To systematically evaluate the diversity, suppressive mechanisms, and effectiveness of microbial-based biological control agents (BCAs) in agroecosystems, while specifically analyzing their ecological implications on soil biodiversity and community stability between 2020 and 2026. Methods A systematic literature review was performed following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted in Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect using specific keywords related to microbial biocontrol and ecosystem services. From an initial 614 records, 15 high-quality studies meeting strict inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed, focus on microbial agents, published 2020–2026) were selected for qualitative synthesis. Results The synthesis identified a diverse range of BCAs, predominantly Bacillus , Trichoderma , Pseudomonas , and various endophytes. These agents suppress pathogens through multifaceted mechanisms: antibiosis, competition for niches, parasitism, and induction of systemic resistance. Results indicate that microbial inoculants not only reduce disease severity but also actively modulate the rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbiota. Key findings highlight that microbial BCAs enhance soil microbial activity and stabilize community structures, offering a regenerative alternative to chemical pesticides. However, effectiveness varies across different cropping systems and climatic conditions. Conclusion Microbial biocontrol is a robust and ecologically sound strategy within Integrated Pest Management (IPM). While it demonstrates significant potential in enhancing agricultural sustainability and soil health, there is a critical need for standardized field evaluation protocols and long-term longitudinal studies to fully understand the transgenerational effects of microbial application on ecosystem resilience.
Harlin et al. (2026) studied this question.