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Phytophthora capsici is a phytopathogen that limits the production of vegetables worldwide. It is known to be the causal agent of the wilting of chili pepper, which affects the plantations of the genus Capsicum, causing almost complete losses. The pathosystem Capsicum spp. - P. capsici has been widely studied, but it is still far from being understood. Investigations on different chili pepper cultivars resistant to the oomycete suggest that most genotypes carry defense genes to confront the pathogen; however, the defensive capacity differs in intensity and speed. The specific resistance of some Capsicum species to P. capsici seems to be unrelated to R proteins, but rather mediated by a complex molecular dialogue. In some species of Capsicum, the growth regulators play an important part in this dialogue that leads the plant to express the genes related to defense, locally at first, by limiting the progress of the oomycete, and later, systemically, by preventing new points of infection. This revision carries out a critical analysis of the information available on the communication network established between chili plants and P. capsici, which defines the outcome of the interaction between the plant and P. capsici as resistant, tolerant or susceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, studies of biological control agents of microbial origin (BCA-M) have mainly focused on their taxonomic characterization, through the use of conventional molecular markers, and the in vitro evaluation of modes of action, or under greenhouse conditions, but limitedly under field conditions. Furthermore, recent bioprospecting studies of BCA of microbial origin mainly focus on Trichoderma, Paecilomyces, Beauveria, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. Even when the research developed in Mexico on this topic has been active during the last years, the development and innovation of greater variety of registered and currently commercialized biopesticides need to be improved. In this context, the use of cut-edge techniques in the era of omics sciences (genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) focused on the correct taxonomic affiliation of BCA-M, as well as their modes of action and ecology in agroecosystems, will expand the bioprospecting and extensive use of these BCA in a more efficient, biosafety, and cost-effective manner. In the framework of the international celebration of plant health, this review critically analyzes the knowledge status of the aspects that limit the bioprospecting and extensive use of BCA-M, mainly in Mexico, from the application of omics sciences for the identification, selection, and study of action mechanisms of those agents until the dissemination and socialization of the generated scientific knowledge. The foregoing is intended to promote reflection on this field of knowledge and encourage the new generation BCA-M with a holistic and systemic vision for the benefit of sustainable and resilient agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]