ABSTRACT

Using microbial agents for control of plant diseases is environmentally sound as the biocontrol approach can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides that are often harmful to the environment. Although some biopesticides have been successfully developed for control of plant diseases, problems associated with development and application of microbial biocontrol agents remain of major concern. This review focuses the discussion on prospects and constraints of commercial development of biopesticides, including issues of consumer demands for biocontrol products, government policy on pesticide registration, and challenges in research and development of biocontrol products. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of selection of superior strains of biocontrol agents, development of cost-effective formulations for mass production, and establishment of effective and efficient systems for delivery of biocontrol agents.