Manipulation and Vectoring of Biocontrol Organisms to Manage Foliage and Fruit Diseases in Cropping Systems

Abstract

Microorganisms rank among our best allies in the control of plant diseases. Indigenous fungi and bacteria are recognized as common contributors to disease suppression in cropping systems and mediate effects of many cultural practices in reducing pathogen populations and limiting disease severity (10, 16, 99a). Considerable advances have also been made in improving biological control by introducing specific indigenous microbial antagonists into the cropping system. After numerous failures in earlier studies, biological control now appears to be a promising strategy for managing foliage and fruit diseases in a range of crops. To be effective, biological disease control depends not only on suitable biocontrol organisms, but also on methods and strategies for introducing and maintaining the organisms in the crop (84).