Fungi biocontrol agents

There has been considerable interest in the use of plants for bioremediation and this merits a rather extensive discussion. Plants can play an important role in bioremediation for several reasons (1) they can transport contaminants from the soil, (2) they can metabolize the contaminants after uptake, or (3) they can produce exudes that support microbial activity for degradation of the contaminants. In addition, bacteria can produce metabolites that counter the effect of toxins produced by fungi, and serve as biocontrol agents that diminish the need for the application of agrochemicals. Plant exudates play an important role in supporting the growth and activity of bacteria that carry out the degradation of contaminants in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane (the external surface of roots... 

Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher (Fig. 7) was not formally identified and described until many years after its role as an important pathogen of the citrus rust mite Phyllocoptruta oleivora) was first suspected (Speare and Yothers, 1924 Fisher, 1950). Undoubtedly, the species was an unrecognized component of the friendly fungi of Florida citrus farms, discussed earlier. However, it was not until relatively recently that its actual impact on pest populations was quantified and its commercial potential as a biocontrol agent of both eriophyid and tetranychid mites was realized (McCoy, 1981). This resulted in the launch of a commercial mycoinsecticide, Mycar, for early application in citrus orchards to... 

BIOACTIVE METABOLITES FROM SOILBORNE FUNGI NATURAL FUNGICIDES AND BIOCONTROL AGENTS... 

Trias, R., Baneras, L., Montesinos, E., Badosa, E. (2008). Lactic acid bacteria from fresh fruit and vegetables as biocontrol agents of phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi. International Microbiology, II, 231—236. 

In this section, examples of biocontrol fungi in which the activity is mediated, at least in part, by fatty acids are considered. The structural simplicity of fatty acids might suggest that they would be unlikely candidates as antifungal agents, however there is increasing evidence that a number of them share this activity. 

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