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Home → Publications → National Nursery Proceedings → 1992 → Principles and Potential for Biocontrol of Diseases in Forest and Conservation Nurseries

Principles and Potential for Biocontrol of Diseases in Forest and Conservation Nurseries

Biological control is the reduction of inoculum density or disease-producing activities of plant pathogens by other organisms, accomplished through environmental manipulations or mass introduction of antagonists. Biocontrol agents exert their effects on pathogens by competing for niches or other limited resources, production of antibiotics, exhibiting hyperparasitism, and inducing fungistasis. Developing commercial biocontrol products is a costly, time-consuming process requiring extensive testing at several levels. Very few commercial biocontrol products are currently available to control plant diseases. Although many bacteria and fungi show promise as biocontrol agents, few are available for use or are effective against a wide range of plant pathogens. For biological control to become more widely applicable in forest and conservation nurseries, determined commitments by growers to promote and support greater research and development will be necessary.


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Author(s): Robert L. James, R. Kasten Dumroese, David L. Wenny

Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 1992

Event: Western Forest Nursery Association
1993 - Fallen Leaf Lake, CA