ARS | Publication request: Production Methods for Microbial Biocontrol Agents

Submitted to: USDA Mexico International Workshop on Agricultural Biotechnology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 27, 2009
Publication Date: February 27, 2009
Citation: Jackson, M. A. 2009. Production Methods for Microbial Biocontrol Agents [abstract]. USDA Mexico International Workshop on Agricultural Biotechnology. Abstract J-1.

Technical Abstract: A critical constraint to the commercial use of microbial biopesticides is the development of an economic production process. The production process must be cost-effective and yield a microbial propagule that is stable and efficacious under field conditions. Currently, the commercial production of most bacterial and many fungal biocontrol agents is accomplished using liquid culture fermentation. Solid-substrate fermentation processes are the method of choice for the production of fungal conidia-based biocontrol products. Virus-based biocontrol agents for insect control are all produced in-vivo in various insect hosts. Since all these production methods have been commercialized at some level, they have met the requirements of cost-effectiveness and pest control efficacy. This lecture will examine the positives and negatives of each production method currently in use and provide an overview of factors that must be considered while evaluating the commercial potential of a microbial biocontrol agent.