Biological Control Of Plant Diseases (Greenhouse)
Gary W. Moorman, Professor of Plant Pathology
When one living organism is used to inhibit the activity of a living plant pathogen, it is said to be a biological control agent (BCA). BCAs are registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and have labels very similar to those for chemical pesticides. BCAs can be hazardous to the applicator and all safety equipment recommended on the label should be used. BCAs may have to be applied more than once in order to maintain adequate protection. Follow the label recommendations for the amount to use, the method of application, and application intervals. BCAs can be used on the same crop with chemical pesticides. In general, a BCA should be applied 10 days before or 10 days after applying a chemical. Below is a partial list of biocontrol agents and the pathogens listed on their labels as being controlled:
Biological Controls
| Biological control agent (type of organism) | Trade Name (EPA reg. no.) | Target pathogens on one or more of the product labels |
|---|---|---|
| Agrobacterium radiobacter (bacterium) | Galltrol A (strain 84) (40230-1) Norbac 84C (strain K84) (38087-2) |
Agrobacterium tumefacians (crown gall) |
| Ampelomyces quisqualis (fungus) | AG10 (55638-16) | Powdery mildew |
| Bacillus subtilis (bacterium) | Companion (GB03 strain) (71065-1) Serenade (69592-4) Rhapsody (QST 713 strain) (69592-10) |
Pythium, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, powdery mildew, Colletotrichum, Erwinia, Pseudononas, Xanthomonas, Diplocarpon, Cercospora, Venturia. |
| Candida oleophila (yeast) | Aspire (55638-29) | |
| Gliocladium catenulatum (fungus) | Primastop | Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Botrytis |
| Streptomyces lydicus (actinomycete (fungus-like bacterium) Streptomyces griseoviridis |
Actinovate (73314-1) Mycostop (64137-5) |
Pythium, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Botrytis, powdery mildew, downy mildew, Sclerotinia, Verticillium. Botrytis, Alternaria, Phomopsis, Pythium, Fusarium, Phytophthora |
| Trichoderma harzianum (fungus) Trichoderma virens |
PlantShield, (68539-4) SoilGard (70051-3) |
Pythium, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Botrytis, powdery mildew, downy mildew, Sclerotinia |
DISCLAIMER
Notice: The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.
Warning! Pesticides are poisonous. Read and follow all directions and safety precautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original labeled containers out of the reach of children, pets, and livestock. Dispose of empty containers right away, in a safe manner and place. Do not contaminate forage, streams or ponds.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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