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Title: DEVELOPMENT OF GLIOCLADIUM VIRENS FOR DAMPING-OFF DISEASE CONTROL

Author
item Lumsden, Robert
item WALTER, JAMES - W. R. GRACE & CO., MD
item BAKER, CHARLES - W. R. GRACE & CO., MD

Submitted to: Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/29/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Biological control strategies are needed to reduce losses in agricultural crops caused by soilborne plant pathogens in order to reduce the use of chemical fungicides. This research describes the process for successfully developing two commercial products in a partnership between a private company and government funded research laboratories. The research was made possible with technology transfer through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. Original research is reported on comparison of properties, including stability and effectiveness against soilborne pathogens, Pythium and Rhizoctonia. Development of these products benefits growers in greenhouse operations and aids in reduction in dependance on chemical pesticides.

Technical Abstract: Commercial preparation of formulations of the fungus Gliocladium virens (GL-21) have appeared on the market as GlioGard," an alginate formulation, and more recently as "SoilGard," a granular formulation. The development of these products evolved through a process which included discovery, concept of product, marketing assessment, formulation of the products, process development, extensive efficacy assays, registration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and test marketing. The process evolved through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between private industry (W. R. Grace & Co., Columbia, MD) and public research institution (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Biocontrol of Plant Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland). Success of this cooperative effort depended largely on a close working relationship between the two groups and constant exchange of ideas and concepts. The importance of close collaborations between project participants was key to the transfer of technology and commercialization.