Author
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Connick Jr, William |
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Daigle, Donald |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/30/2000 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: This paper reviews the important advances made toward the goal of controlling weeds using their natural enemies. To accomplish this goal, weed enemies such as fungi or bacteria need to be incorporated in a stable formulation that can be easily applied. This is a difficult task and many clever ways have been devised to produce effective materials. Currently available products and promising experimental approaches are discussed. Concerns about safer products for pest control are the principal reason for the development of biological control products. Technical Abstract: Current formulation technology must be improved if new bioherbicide products will succeed. Close collaboration and teamwork must occur between scientists involved in the discovery, production, formulation, and testing of bioherbicide agents. Biopesticide companies should communicate their specific needs to the scientists. The shackles of conventional chemical pesticide formulation concepts need to be discarded in favor of innovative concepts influenced by the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and coatings industries. Achieving adequate shelf life, low application rates, and affordable cost are major challenges. This chapter reviews recent literature on sprayable and granular bioherbicide formulations. Niche markets are the most realistic for bioherbicide products. Concerns about human toxicity and environmental pollution give impetus to the development of biopesticides. |
