Management of plant diseases is an imperative aspect of plant pathology. Fungal pathogens are responsible for substantial annual reductions in crop yield, necessitating the utilization of pesticides and chemical compounds to combat them, albeit at the expense of environmental harm. Investigation of alternative methods for safeguarding crops is, therefore, necessary and has garnered significant interest from researchers worldwide. Among these options, the employment of beneficial microorganisms for biological control has been deemed noteworthy. However, they are not considered and utilized in many areas. The present study was conducted to identify the utilization and application of biological compounds against fungal pathogens of greenhouse and agricultural products in the Southern region of Kerman. This research has been carried out in terms of the fundamental rationale, concerning the quantitative nature of the data, and the data were collected utilizing a randomized distribution of the questionnaire in 1401. The inquiry was comprised of 75 agricultural specialists, farmers, and vendors of agricultural inputs. Analysis of the data was performed utilizing SPSS ver26 software. The findings indicated that the primary reasons for farmers in the Southern region of Kerman not utilizing these compounds were their limited understanding and restricted availability of biological compounds.
Introduction

The increase in the worldwide population has led to a need for a substantial amount of high-quality agricultural products. As a result, there has been a significant rise in the use of chemical pesticides to combat various crop diseases. However, in recent times, consumers have expressed deep concerns about the negative effects of chemical fungicides on human health and the environment. Consequently, researchers worldwide have started to explore alternative methods for protecting products. One particular method that has received considerable attention is the use of beneficial microorganisms for biological control, which is the main focus of this study. Initially, an assessment of farmers' knowledge and understanding of these effective compounds was conducted, followed by the identification of existing obstacles that hinder their use in the region. Ultimately, if possible, viable solutions will be proposed to overcome these challenges.

Materials and methods
The present study is characterized as a descriptive-analytical investigation with a clear purpose and methodological perspective. Specifically, it adopts a quantitative research approach that entails the collection of data through documentary and field methods, employing a questionnaire as the primary instrument. The questionnaire, developed based on a thorough examination of existing literature and consultation with experts in the field, aimed to encompass all relevant aspects of the research. By seeking input from experts well-versed in the concepts of the research topic, any shortcomings or deficiencies in the questionnaire were addressed. Careful attention was paid to the formulation of questions to ensure their clarity and alignment with the research objectives. The collected data from the questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively using a five-point Likert scale, ranging from "very little" to "very much." The target population for this study consisted of 75 individuals involved in agriculture, including traditional and progressive farmers, experts, and managers affiliated with agricultural jihad service centers responsible for the production and sale of agricultural inputs, as well as select students in the southern region of Kerman province. These individuals were active in seven cities in the southern part of Kerman province, namely Jiroft, Anbarabad, Rudbar-e Jonubi, Kohnouj, Manojan, Faryab, and Qalehganj. Once the questionnaire was completed and the data were collected, all necessary information for analysis was entered into Excel. Statistical calculations were then performed using SPSS 26 software, and graphs were generated in the Excel 2019 environment. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the investigated criteria, and the resulting data were presented in descriptive and analytical reports that adhered to appropriate indicators and statistical tests, taking into consideration the measurement level and overall objectives of the research.

Results and discussion
Based on the findings derived from the completed questionnaires, despite the conviction of nearly 70% of the target community regarding the advantageous and cost-effective impacts of utilizing biological inhibitor compounds, the utilization of said compounds in the analyzed cities was rather meager, with only 32% acknowledging their usage and 68% of the participants reporting no implementation of these substances in agriculture. It is important to note that the reduced usage of these compounds in the examined regions can be attributed to the limited accessibility of antimicrobial substances (26%), or the unsatisfactory experience of their efficacy. Therefore, by facilitating the availability of these highly beneficial compounds, their employment and application in the aforementioned areas will escalate, consequently diminishing the reliance on chemical toxins and pesticides, mitigating the pollution of water and soil resources, and enhancing the overall well-being of society. Conversely, the absence of awareness regarding the proper effectiveness and the lack of contamination of these compounds with biological agents have been identified as significant reasons for farmers' reluctance to use biological compounds. Additionally, other factors such as competitors' advertisements, pricing, and economic conditions, and the limited impact on a narrow range of pathogens have also been acknowledged as noteworthy by the respondents, in line with previous studies. This research was carried out in six southern cities of Kerman province, namely Jiroft, Anbarabad, Kohnuj, Rudbar-e Jonubi, Faryab, and Qalehganj. The statistical analysis of the data involved the utilization of 75 completed questionnaires. The findings revealed that 68% of the respondents used these compounds in limited quantities due to the unavailability of bio-inhibiting compounds. Additionally, 75.6% of the respondents acknowledged the efficacy of the tools and technology in the appropriate and beneficial application of these compounds. Moreover, 69.2% of the respondents expressed the belief that the utilization of biocontrol compounds in agriculture is economically advantageous when compared to poisons and pesticides. Furthermore, 61.5% of the respondents asserted that the use of these compounds can enhance the overall health of society. Interestingly, 55.66% of the respondents identified the lack of awareness regarding the beneficial effects of bio-inhibiting compounds and the absence of environmental pollution caused by these compounds as the most significant barriers to their adoption in agriculture in the southern region of Kerman.

Conclusion
Based on these findings, it is recommended that: 1) comprehensive information regarding the effectiveness and safety of biological inhibitor compounds should be incorporated into the educational and promotional initiatives of Jihad Agricultural Centers, 2) diverse types of biocontrol compounds should be made accessible to farmers through agricultural input sales centers in collaboration with the plant protection departments of the Agricultural Jihad Organization, and 3) farmers should receive essential training on the correct application of these compounds during various stages, particularly during the field day, provided by the extension management of the Agricultural Jihad Organization.