Brazilian researchers participate in publication In June 2022, Springer Publishing House released the book Fungal Diversity, Ecology and Control Management, edited by V. R. Rajpal, I. Singh and S. S. Navi. The work addresses diversity, ecology and management of fungal diseases, and has the participation of several researchers from different countries, which brings a broad approach to the topic. Representing Brazil, researchers Sérgio Miguel Mazaro from the Federal University of Technology in Paraná (UTFPR); Maurício Conrado Meyer, from Embrapa Soybean; Claudia Regina Dias-Arieira from the State University of Maringá (UEM); Emerson Fabio dos Reis from Iowa State University; and Wagner Bettiol from Embrapa Environment were invited to write the chapter Antagonistic Fungi Against Plant Pathogens for Sustainable Agriculture. According to Sérgio Mazaro, the invitation was an honor both in view of the book's impact in the scientific community, and to be able to address such an important and evident topic that is disease management in plants, considering the principles of sustainability. For researcher Wagner Bettiol, the demand to reduce chemical pesticides and to adopt biocompatible products, in accordace with the principles of sustainability, has changed food production around the world. Therefore, integrated disease management is essential for the path of sustainability, and it is necessary to understand the structure and functioning of agricultural ecosystems to carry out adequate integrated management of pest and diseases. In this sense, the understanding of plant-pathogen relationships, the effects of the environment on these relationships and the impacts of external intervention on production system need to be comprehended. This understanding will lead to the rational use of inputs in an effective and sustainable manner. The authors believe that Brazilian agricultural productivity is highly impacted by soil phytopathogens, whose problems have been increasing. The chemical control of these phytopathogens has numerous limitations, and biological control, associated with soil and crop management, has been an adequate alternative. In this scenario, the development and use of biopesticides or bioprotectors are vital factors for the management of soil fungi and nematodes. However, for its best performance, it is essential to consider the pathosystem, the biological target to be achieved, the effectiveness of antagonistic agents, and the compatibility in integrated pest management, among other things. All of these topics are addressed in the chapter. In addition, during the 42nd São Paulo State Congress of Plant Pathology, which will be held in September 14 and 15, 2022 at Embrapa Environment, the chapter's authors will present details on the biological control of plant diseases caused by soil fungi. Click here to enrol in the event. Antagonistic fungi – uses Biological control, used for more than 2,000 years, is effective in controlling plant diseases, pests and invasive plants, diseases and pests in animals and vectors of human diseases. It is the most successful, economical and environmentally safe method. The use of biological products has been expanding widely around the world. In Brazil, the area under biological control covers more than 30 million ha, considering information from 2017. It is possible that it has surpassed more than 50 million ha in the last harvest. The two most important agents of plant disease biological control are species of the Bacillus and Trichoderma genera. Besides, a new tendency was observed: preparing formulations that contain a mix of these biocontrol agents. For the effectiveness of these agents, it is important to understand the structure and functioning of agroecosystems and to know in detail the pathosystems involved, as well as the best way to achieve biological targets. In association with that, there is a need for integrated crop management, as control agents may have low efficacy depending on the management. Thus, a fundamental step is the integration of the bioagent to the cultivation systems in the development of an agent. As a recent review that covers the main studies carried out in the last 50 years to assess interactions between antagonistic fungi and phytopathogenic fungi, the chapter presented approximately 300 antagonistic fungi belonging to 13 classes and 113 genera, along with target pathogens and diseases. Trichoderma was identified as the genus with the highest potential, comprising 25 species that have been reported as effective against various plant pathogenic fungi. Another aspect that was addressed was the application of bioagents related to the presence of organic matter in the soil, a fundamental source of food for antagonists. For example, in soybeans, the association of Pochonia chlamydosporia with Brachiaria mulch reduces Meloidogyne javanica population in relation to plants grown with the sole use of Brachiaria mulch.