ARS | Publication request: STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMIZING THE PRODUCTION OF BIOPESTICIDES (ESTRATEGIAS PARA LA OPTIMIZACION DE LA PRODUCCION DE BIOPESTICIDAS)

Submitted to: USDA Mexico International Workshop on Agricultural Biotechnology
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: October 26, 2003
Publication Date: December 1, 2003
Citation: Jackson, M.A. 2003. Strategies for optimizing the production of biopesticides. In Galan-Wang, L.J., Elias-Santos, M., Tamez-Guerra, P., Quintero-Ramirez, R., Quintero-Zapata, I. (Editors). Procesos Biotechnologicos, Primera Edicion. Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Chapter 7, p. 71-85. ISBN 970-694-131-2.

Technical Abstract: Propagules of fungal pathogens of weeds and insects are unique in their ability to actively infect and kill their pest host. While these capabilities are advantageous in terms of their use as a contact biological control agent, or biopesticide, they also require special consideration during production. Directed approaches to medium optimization must consider not only propagule yield and form, but also qualities such as desiccation tolerance, stability as a dry preparation, and biocontrol efficacy. Nutritional conditions during culture growth should direct the accumulation of appropriate endogenous reserves so that newly formed propagules possess these advantageous qualities. Studies with the bioherbicidal fungus Colletotrichum truncatum and with the bioinsecticidal fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus have demonstrated the impact of nutrition on propagule formation and 'fitness' for use as a biological control agent. The medium optimization strategy used in these nutritional studies is presented.