Fungal biocontrol agents

In addition to the target weed, the genetic variability of the fungal biocontrol agent also must be considered. 

Mycoparasitism of phytopathogens is a phenomenon exhibited by many fungal biocontrol agents. The events leading to this close contact interaction involve location, contact, recognition, localized lysis, penetration and intracellular growth by the antagonist. The production of... 

The lack of simple and reliable application systems is a major problem to be solved before the introduction of this biocontrol agent into practical control strategies. Mixing fungal chlamydospores into a feed supplement was used in most plot and field studies as an application system (Larsen, 2000). Incorporation into various types of feed blocks or mineral licks, as well as slow-release devices, may also become feasible (Thamsborg et al., 1999 Chandrawathani et al., 2003). 

Hegedus, D. D., and Khachatourians, G. G. (1995). The impact of biotechnology on hyphomycetous fungal insect biocontrol agents. Biotechnology Advances, 13, 455-490. 

Sands and Rovira in 1972 (9) were among the first to use a mutant form of Pseudomonas solanacearum as a biocontrol agent to control weeds. Since then, biocontrol of weeds has expanded using predominantly fungal pathogens. 

Jenkins NE, Grzywacz D. Quality control of fungal and viral biocontrol agents—assurance of product performance. Biocontrol Sci Technol 10 753-777, 2000. 

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