ABSTRACT
Many governments are planning to restrict the use of synthetic fungicides due to concerns over their possible toxicity. This may result in an increased demand for biological crop protection materials such as products of microbial and vegetable origin. The term "biological control microorganisms" refers to free-living organisms like fungi, bacteria or actinomycetes that are active in root, soil or leaf environments. These microorganisms are capable of producing a wide range of antibiotics, as well as parasitizing other fungi, competing with other fungi and causing plant resistance either locally or systemically. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that natural plant products are useful in the treatment of plant diseases, and these could be safely included as viable alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This volume covers new issues in the creation of formulated, shelf-stable biocontrol products and provides a summary of the biocontrol tactics that can be used as an alternative to synthetic fungicides.
