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Title: ARS RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PLANT DISEASES

Author
item Roberts, Daniel
item Lohrke, Scott

Submitted to: Pest Management Science
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/9/2002
Publication Date: 8/5/2003
Citation: ROBERTS, D.P., LOHRKE, S.M. ARS RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PLANT DISEASES. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE. 59:654-664. 2003.

Interpretive Summary: Biological control of plant diseases has the potential to reduce chemical inputs in agriculture, maintain a greater biological balance in the environment, and lead to more sustainable long-term agricultural practices. However, the transition of biological control from a laboratory curiosity to a commercially viable agronomic practice has been slow. This review article is an overview of recent research accomplishments from ARS research programs directed at developing the knowledge base needed to overcome the factors that hinder commercialization of biological control agents. Research findings from ARS laboratories concerning the identification of potential biological control agents and fermentation and formulation of these biological control agents are discussed. In addition, research directed at understanding how these biological control agents suppress plant disease is described. This information will be useful to scientists involved in biological control and integrated pest management.

Technical Abstract: Biological control of plant diseases has the potential to reduce chemical inputs in agriculture, maintain a greater biological balance in the environment, and lead to more sustainable long-term agricultural practices. However, the transition of biological control from a laboratory curiosity to a commercially viable agronomic practice has been slow. This article is an overview of recent research accomplishments from ARS programs directed at developing the knowledge base needed to overcome the factors that hinder commercialization of biological control agents. Research findings from ARS laboratories concerning the identification of potential biological control agents and fermentation and formulation of these biological control agents are discussed. In addition, research directed at determining the genetic and physiological means by which biological control agents associate with plants and suppress plant disease is presented.