Fungal biological control agents - appraisal and recommendations.

Abstract

This chapter briefly discusses the technical issues, including improved speed of action of the fungal biological control agent (BCA); greater ecological fitness; cost-effective production of fungal BCAs; improved formulation of fungal BCAs; effective targeting of fungal BCAs (such as Metarhizium anisopliae); improved packaging, shelf life and sales; understanding tritrophic interactions; population dynamics; bioactive compounds; and safety, involved in the appraisal and recommendation of BCAs. Likewise the agronomic issues, such as compatibility of fungal BCAs with other BCAs and agrochemicals; development of crop protection strategies; natural plant resistance and transgenic plants; and organic farming, are discussed. The perception of small- to medium-size enterprises on the usage of fungal BCAs is presented.