Biocontrol agents examples. Biological control can refer to the augmentation of native natural enemy Oct 1, 2013 · biocontrol agent outside its native distribution range. have the potential to be used as biocontrol agents. Aug 10, 2019 · Search for new biocontrol agents needs to be continued for future usage in different types of habitats and climates. Biocontrol agents have various tools to attack plant pathogens (Aguilar-Marcelino et al. For example, the shelf life of Pseudomonas fluorescens is 3 months and of Trichoderma viride is 4 months only. Biocontrol organisms can be fungi, bacteria, or nematodes. The addition of the required mutation can at times produce May 12, 2020 · The prospect of using transgenic approach in biocontrol agents depends on the accessibility of various plasmid sequences, which improve or modulate the behavior of biocontrol agents against phytopathogens (Whipps 2001). The present literature includes the past and current For example, Bacillus spp. The use of chemical fungicides declines the pathogen problem to an ineffective level. 2001 ). A second introduction was detected on the East coast in 1951. Spores of this fungus are painted or sprayed onto cut stumps. What is Biological Control? Biological control (or “biocontrol”) is a pest management strategy that can benefit both conventional and organic agriculture. Differences also occur within the same biological control agent species. , 2020). This chapter will address various types of biological control agents, various mechanisms involved for biological control, etc Biological control is an effective method to remove invasive plants and get pest-free fields. , those agents that parasitize plant pathogens, can result in biocontrol. Biological control of plant diseases can be broadly defined as the use of one organism to influence the activities of a plant pathogen. against tomato diseases caused by different Dec 16, 2020 · The differences with the narrow definition of biocontrol are therefore that derivatives of living organisms and inducers of resistance, which activate the defense mechanisms of plants, are also defined as biocontrol agents (BCAs) . juss) and its derivatives, i. Bioinsecticides1. Biological control (biocontrol) is a safe, sustainable approach that takes advantage of natural enemies such as predators, parasitic insects or pathogens to manage pests in agroecosystems. Most are natural inhabitants of the soil and the environment and are not pathogenic to birds, mammals (including humans), and fish. Nowadays, fungi are considered as a new means of biological control against weeds and pathogens to improve the plant yield and food production. galleriae is effective only against white grubs (table 1). If you would like to find out more about augmentative biocontrol, our new blog ‘ Augmentative biological control: The power of enhancing ecosystems Dec 18, 2012 · In this review, we will consider the mechanisms of action of biocontrol agents and describe some successful examples of these rhizobacteria controlling plant diseases. Mohamed and Saad (2009) found that the application of specific strains of Pichia anomala was a safe and effective biocontrol agent against Diplodia postharvest rot of guava fruit caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat. Because the relationships between biological control agents and pests can be quite Microbes act as biocontrol agents in three ways, either they cause diseases in the pests or compete with them or kill them. 5 Other Methods of Biological Control of Pests1. Biocontrol Agent Fact Sheet. An example is the application of some bacteria, such as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens . Predators. Mar 24, 2020 · Fungi, bacteria, and viruses exploited as biocontrol agents for controlling of the plant diseases/pathogens. The following are some examples of biocontrol agents: Fungi. For instance, a case study conducted on apple orchards in Washington State demonstrated the effectiveness of using ladybugs (Coccinellidae family) to control The rising demand for sustainable agriculture necessitates alternative methods to using chemical pesticides for controlling plant pathogens. Sep 18, 2021 · The antagonism between biocontrol bacterial agents used in mixtures or between a biocontrol agent and the indigenous microflora can undermine the performance of bacterial agents in the rhizosphere. Aug 10, 2019 · Biocontrol means the use of living organisms to suppress the growth of the population of a pest. Pest-related damages result in a heavy loss, approximately estimated to be US $10,000 millions annually in agricultural production in the field and storage in India. Biological control – or biocontrol – has been used effectively against invasive species for over 100 years. To maintain the effective level of biocontrol agents in Inundative biocontrol is the use of a weed predator but rather than allow the biocontrol agent to naturally increase in numbers, the predator is bred in a controlled environment and then a large number can be released in a small area to suppress weeds. • Nematophagous biocontrol Oct 1, 2014 · These "biocontrol agents” can be bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasitic or predatory organisms, such as insects. USA, where Klamath weed populations were sharply reduced by biocontrol agents only to be . Biocontrol agent as microbial antagonists has been tried. Nov 30, 2020 · A few examples of these applications are indicated here. In recent years, fungi have gained popularity as a biocontrol approach. More number of biocontrol agents was screened for their efficacy and environmental impact including mammalian safety. 1993). In the biological control process, the biocontrol agents have been used to control pests, insects, and pathogens and eradicate unwanted weeds and plants. Aug 31, 2022 · tween bacterial biocontrol agent, pathogen, and plant (created with BioRender. And, interestingly, host infection and parasitism by relatively avirulent pathogens may lead to biocontrol of more virulent pathogens through the stimulation of host defense systems. One approach to biological control has been termed “classical biological control”; it involves the discovery, importation, and Feb 24, 2024 · Bacillus species with antimicrobial and plant growth-promoting effects are most frequently used as biocontrol agents to increase the resilience of agricultural production against biotic stresses. It levels the playing-field by reintroducing some of the specialist natural enemies that help control the invasive species it in its native Jan 1, 2006 · The activities of various hyperparasites, i. Biological control (biocontrol) uses one living organism to control another. The basis of classical biocontrol is the “enemy release hypothesis. Endophytes are microorganisms that grow either inter- or intracellularly in the tissues of host plants and provide them protection and benefits by producing excess of useful substances (Strobel 2003 ; Tan and Zou Apr 29, 2021 · For example, in a comprehensive risk assessment of biological control projects, Pemberton found that over 50% of the projects (16/31) on target weeds with close relatives in the receiving range have given rise to non-target effects on native plants caused by biocontrol agents. , 2008), a definition which is also supported by the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA, 2019). Therefore, it is necessary to replace or integrate high risk chemicals with safer tools for human health and environment. velezensis FZB42 suggests the involvement of regulatory small RNAs in the. Here is a breakdown of different biocontrol agents and how they work. and their Biocontrol Agents. 2007) and parasitoid species (Cusumano et al. As they like using nematodes as food sources, these fungi are called May 25, 2020 · In this respect, filamentous fungi can be an interesting biocontrol alternative. Among the fungal biocontrol agents, several species of Trichoderma, arbuscular and ectomycorrhizas, yeasts, and fungal endophytes are widely used in pest management either alone or as a part of integrated pest management programs (Grabka et al. Biological control (or biocontrol for short) Reducing pest populations (or maintaining them at a low level) using living organisms (natural enemies, biocontrol agents) or the things they produce. There are many examples of effective control of soilborne diseases by means of PGPR (Whipps 2001; Lucy et al. Research on fungal strains as biocontrol agents for plant disease control has also received considerable attention. It is the use of living organisms, such as insects or pathogens, to control pest populations. These predatory beetles are beneficial to farmers and gardeners, because they can reduce pest populations, also referred to as biological control, however, because rove beetles are generalist predators, they can also reduce populations of beneficial insects such as beneficial predatory mite eggs and nymphs. Generally, the hope is for permanent establishment of the natural enemy. Jul 7, 2017 · A classic example of biocontrol gone wrong is the cane toad that was introduced in Australia . Apr 23, 2012 · Bacteria, fungi and viruses can all act as biocontrol agents due to the large diversity of target species and the variety of methods of action. Nevertheless, they have not yet attained their hoped prospects, even though all expectations advocate that general bionematicides, which may include plant extracts and other naturally sourced materials in addition to BCAs, will May 26, 2020 · In an Environmental Risk Analysis (ERA) benefits and risks of a biocontrol agent (BCA) or other beneficial organisms are assessed using criteria based on ecological determinants such as the potential and impact of establishment and dispersal, on known and new hosts (host range vs. Newer methods of production, formulation, storage, and application need to be established for better efficacy, user friendliness, and cost-effectivity. For example, a study on gene. Biotechnology has extended widely and has developed many biocontrol agents. In an integrated pest management system, biological controls might include predatory or parasitic insects, bacteria or fungi, and biopesticides. Biological control (biocontrol) involves the reduction of pest populations through the use of natural enemies such as parasitoids, predators, pathogens, antagonists, or competitors to suppress pest populations. Transgenic plants with microbial genes can be generated for major crops. Mar 25, 2024 · Biological Control Program. 1 Classical Biocontrol. Sep 21, 2023 · A diverse range of bacterial genera have demonstrated great potential as biocontrol agents for various plant diseases. The only requirement is that they work to eliminate a pest or augment a predator population. Biological control has been defined simply as the utilization of natural enemies to reduce the damage caused by noxious organisms to tolerable levels (DeBach and Rosen, 1991). Biocontrol agents can be predators, pathogens, parasites and parasitoids, and even other plants. Most of the potential for classical and inundative tactics is focused in perennial Dec 16, 2022 · The plant growth-promoting actinobacteria are used in agriculture as a biofertilizer or a biocontrol agent. Jun 17, 2019 · For example, P. specificity) and direct and indirect non-target effects. The huge biocontrol arsenal contains both tools for purchase and some that can be supported in the garden through cultural practices. Here, biocontrol agent is used when a pest of exotic origin is the target of the biocontrol program. Bacteria: Black flies, caterpillars, larvae, wax moths can be controlled by Bacillus thuringiensis. Oct 7, 2022 · Trichoderma is an important biocontrol agent for managing plant diseases. Classical biocontrol may be defined as, “The intentional introduction of an exotic, usually co-evolved, biocontrol agent for permanent establishment and long-term pest control” ( Greathead, 1994; FAO, 1996; Coombs and Hall, 1998 ). 7 Pest Environmental biology is one of the critical Biology Topics that involves understanding how humans impact the environment and how Yes check No close. Biocontrol agents are a particular group of microbial crop protection products. Biocontrol involves the use of natural antagonists, such as bacteria, as an alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. Sep 5, 2018 · Furthermore, the weed should occur in relatively undisturbed areas to allow for the establishment of biological control agents, cultivation, mowing and other disturbances can have a destructive effect on many arthropod biocontrol agents. , 2017, Vinale et al. However, many studies have concentrated on actinobacteria biocontrol effects because of their significant production of bioactive compounds utilized as defense mechanisms (Vurukonda et al. Classic insect example: In 1888, importation of the Vedalia beetle (predaceous lady beetle) from Australia to California citrus groves for control of the Cottony cushion Scale. In this review, we will apply an even more extended definition of The agents which are used to control the microbes are called biocontrol agents. It can function as a biocontrol agent as well as a growth promoter. Woolly apple aphids ( Eriosoma lanigerum ). Schwarzländer et al. Bioherbicides1. 5 Viability. Nov 17, 2019 · Fungal biocontrol agents can also be used to control nematodes, insects, and other pests through parasitism and production of toxins. Theme: Biocontrol agents. Inundative biocontrol agents such as bacteria and fungi are less sensitive to these types of disturbances so The agents which are used to control the microbes are called biocontrol agents. Keywords: abiotic stress tolerance, antagonism, antibiosis, biocontrol, fungi, mycoparasitism, pathogen, symbiosis. 2016). Understanding the mechanisms conferring biocontrol activity is the foundation for the informed and successful development and application of yeasts as plant protection agents (Droby and Chalutz 1994; Spadaro and Droby 2016; Wisniewski et al. The alfalfa weevil, a native of Europe, was originally detected in the US in Utah in 1904. They are able to reduce the damage caused by plant-parasitic nematodes Apr 24, 2013 · There has been an increased interest in biological control agents in last decade. Predatory insects have been successfully employed in various agricultural systems worldwide. By enhancing the role of natural enemies, the negative impact of a pest on a crop is reduced. Dec 30, 2022 · Another major challenge is the lack of adequate characterization of bio-agents coupled with the poor marketing strategy of bioagent-producing firms; for example, many PGPRs/biofertilizers projected as a biocontrol agent; low efficacy in non-native soils/environment work on adaptability, and its contains is lacking appropriate research on the May 31, 2018 · Biocontrol agent species establishment rates for the Caribbean and Eurasia were also lower at 25. , 2023 ). The typical method for controlling these diseases involves the use of chemicals, which have extremely detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. com). e. This review shows some relevant examples of known bacterial BCA, and presents their main modes of action, including details concerning the mechanisms and molecules involved in the biocontrol activity with especi al emphasis on research carried out by Span-ish Oct 4, 2023 · Global food security is continuously threatened by plant diseases, which do significant harm to economically significant crops. The following five examples of biological controls will barely scratch the surface of this rapidly growing area of Feb 24, 2021 · Microbiological tools, biofertilizers, and biocontrol agents, which are bacteria and fungi capable of providing beneficial outcomes in crop plant growth and health, have been developed for several decades. 2007). Aug 7, 2019 · These examples demonstrate that some introduced biological control agents face threats from native organisms at higher trophic levels, as well as those that occupy the same trophic level via intraguild and interguild predation and parasitism in both predator (Vance-Chalcraft et al. In a second part, we focus on five yeast species (Candida oleophila, Aureobasidium pullulans Oct 13, 2022 · Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most notorious and underrated threats to food security and plant health worldwide, compromising crop yields and causing billions of dollars of losses annually. For example, the European carp pest makes up 90% of the fish biomass in the Jun 25, 2022 · The use of synthetic fungicides to control fungal diseases has growing limitations due to eco-toxicological risks. Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus used as a biological insecticide against various insect Aug 31, 2022 · Classical biological control (CBC) refers to the intentional introduction of an exotic natural enemy for permanent establishment and long-term pest control to an area that the pest has invaded. 3 1. 2023; Kolozsváriné Mar 12, 2022 · In the case of classical weed biocontrol agents, the focus in the early part of the 20th Century was on safety to crops and little else. Jun 30, 2020 · Admittedly, biocontrol agents of plant-parasitic nematodes are not exceptions in this general progressive status. Predators feed on the pest you’re trying to control. Trichoderma species are now frequently used as biological control agents (BCAs) to combat a wide range of plant diseases. ( 2018 ) reported a higher establishment rate for hemipteran biocontrol agents. For example, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Biological control of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhall) is a example of a successful program using importation of natural enemies (Bryan et al. Nov 2, 2023 · One notable example is the use of predatory insects as biocontrol agents in managing pests. One of the strategies for overcoming inconsistent performance is to combine the disease-suppressive activity of two (or more) beneficial microbes in a biocontrol preparation. expression of B. • Entomophagous biocontrol agents – kill harmful insects and mites. The biocontrol-active rhizobacteria are highly selective pathogens causing death, or impaired growth, of plant pests through the production of soluble and volatile metabolites, enzymes, and the formation of biofilms. maculiventris, although thought to be an effective biocontrol agent of lepidopteran pests 54,55,56, can also potentially feed on other natural enemies of P. It is also called as “biological suppression”. Explore chapters and articles on different types, mechanisms, and applications of biocontrol agents in agriculture and other fields. An environmentally friendly biopesticide can be used to prevent and control the destructive pest effectively. Fungi have proven to be a very efficient biocontrol alternative to chemical pesticides. Feb 23, 2012 · Myco-biocontrol is an environmentally sound and effective means of reducing or mitigating insect-pests and its effects through the use of natural enemies. NIFA supports research in bio-based pest management, which has the goal of providing safer Aug 10, 2019 · Search for new biocontrol agents needs to be continued for future usage in different types of habitats and climates. rapae, including Apr 1, 2019 · Abstract. There is a wide variety of natural enemies used for May 19, 2022 · Classes of metabolites involved in biocontrol of microbial, insect, and nematode pests for plants. Subsequently, protecting native species became politically important and a thorough risk assessment is now demanded prior to the release of any BCA active against weeds. Consequently, research on the selection, evaluation, characterization, and use of biocontrol agents (BCAs) has consistently increased in the last decades. Jul 18, 2019 · Possible risks for humans or the environment, risks for resistance development against the biocontrol agent, its pathogen specificity and its dependency on environmental conditions and crop physiology may differ between different modes of action. Feb 19, 2022 · Examples include the use of nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis in Pseudomonas aurantiaca B-162 to produce a strain with better phenazine synthesis leading to improved biocontrol activity and Trichoderma harzianum strains that exhibited enhanced biocontrol ability after UV mutagenesis . , competition, enzyme secretion, toxin production, volatiles, mycoparasitism, induction of resistance) by which biocontrol yeasts exert their activity as plant protection agents. 4 2. Important examples of microbial biocontrol agents include Bacillus thuringiensis, fluorescent pseudomonads and Beauveria bassiana. , 2016). 10. 2004), and many bacterial strains have been shown to have potential for development as biocontrol agents on cereals (Table 1). Apr 24, 2020 · Biopesticides in India. The neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. • Fungal antagonist/mycoparasite biocontrol agents – kill other pathogenic fungi. Currently we have a selection of strains available as products for agriculture, predominantly based on plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), soil, epiphytic, and mycorrhizal fungi Jan 1, 2020 · Biological control or biocontrol is a method of controlling pests such as insects, mites, weeds, and plant diseases using other organisms. 3. Biological control can be defined as the deliberate use of natural enemies - predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors to suppress and maintain populations of a target pest species (insects, mites, weeds, plant pathogens, and other pest organisms). ”. 2 Biopesticides1. Oct 1, 2019 · Here, we review the fundamental research on the mechanisms (e. leaf extract, oil, and seed cake have been used as fertilizers and also for minimizing the risk of post-harvest loss in stored cereals (Isman 1997; Brahmachari 2004). Spraying the solution of Bt made of spores Jul 13, 2022 · Our diverse collection of fungi encompasses over 400 strains with potential biocontrol ability and ATCC offers opportunities for commercial use licensing. Fungi have also been shown to play a significant role in preventing important diseases in major crops [5,6]. Of the various biocontrol agent taxa released, mites, fungal pathogens, Hymenoptera and Hemiptera (in that sequence) had the highest establishment rates at both the agent species and release levels (Table 1). The microbes used in both (entomology and plant pathology) to kill or control the pest population are named ‘biocontrol agents’ or ‘biological control agents’. The present review discusses the antagonistic mechanisms and the biocontrol potential of Bacillus spp. As a biocontrol strategy, fungi are believed to be a fast-evolving method that does not cause any harm to the environment. Many organisms have been investigated as potential agents for vector mosquito control, including viruses, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, nematodes . 0%, respectively (Table 2). 2018, Mitra et al. These tools involve (1) direct effects and (2) indirect effects. 0 and 40. Sep 10, 2018 · Environmental factors aid in the high mortality rate as biocontrol agents take time to generate response against the targeted microbes, which is largely dependent on its incubation time. Outbreaks of the desert locust, one of the world’s most serious pests, are expected to increase with climate change. Microbial Antagonism According to Beattie (2006) , bacteria that reduce the incidence or severity of plant diseases are often referred to as biocontrol agents whereas those that Apr 13, 2021 · new beneficial traits in biofertilizers and biocontrol agents. It is one component of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy that helps you reduce risks to yourself and the environment. amylovora fire blight on apple and pear trees (Gayder et al. has become an significant microbe for disease suppression under field conditions (Miljaković et al. It is a way to control weeds and pests by introducing a natural enemy or predator into the environment. The genus Trichoderma, mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi are the main groups of filamentous fungi studied and used as biological control agents (BCAs) against nematodes as resistance inducers. Feb 28, 2024 · For example, Crawley and von Rütte found biocontrol agents within the order Coleoptera and especially in families Curculionidae and Chrysomelidae, were more successful than other biocontrol agents. Parasitoid wasps, a very large evolutionary group of hymenopteran insects, are well-known biological control agents for arthropod pests in Contents1 Types, Merits, and Demerits of Biocontrol Agents – Biological Pest Control1. ) Griffon & Maubl. Representative Examples of Insect Pests. Jun 18, 2020 · From an applicative point of view, the evidence provided herein strongly supports the possibility to use Trichoderma as a safe, ecofriendly and effective biocontrol agent for different crop species. BCA Nov 30, 2020 · Trichoderma is identified as the genus with greatest potential comprising 25 biocontrol agents that have been used against a number of plant fungal diseases. This review discusses the potential of Bacillus, Streptomyces, Pseudomonas The released biocontrol agent can reproduce during the season and continue keeping the pest population low. 6 Application of Biopesticides1. Jan 1, 2022 · Biocontrol agents are used in both entomology and plant pathology to reduce the growth of microbes, predatory insects, entomopathogenic nematodes ( Wratten, 2008 ). In India, the concept of biocontrol of plant diseases has been in practice for a very long time (Schmutterer 1985). Major plant diseases have Inconsistent performance of applied biocontrol agents has proven to be a primary obstacle to the development of successful commercial products. Biocontrol agents are mass-produced agent manufactured from a living microorganism for the biological control of insects, plant pathogens, and weeds. This pest of citrus is kept in check by Rodolia cardinalis, a ladybeetle introduced from Australia. The most effective agent proved to be another wood-rotting basidiomycete, Peniophora (Phlebia) gigantea. 2. Cottony cushion scale ( Icerya purchasi ). Trichoderma species are members of the fungal genus hyphomycetes, which is widely distributed in soil. Successes in Biological Control. Feb 23, 2024 · A few successful examples are the mycovirus Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1) against its fungal host Cryphonectria parasitica, the causal agent of chestnut blight (Rigling and Prospero 2018) and Erwinia amylovora Siphoviridae phage (PhiEaH1 and PhiEaH2) against E. Few exotic microorganisms have been intentionally introduced for classical biocontrol and no examples of Jul 1, 2017 · For example, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from the endophytic Cladosporium sp. , 2020) and Pseudomonas fluorescens has also been considered as a promising biocontrol agent (BCA; Panpatte et al. Fungal antagonists are currently being widely studied and employed as Biocontrol Agents (BCAs) because Nov 28, 2019 · A variety of insect, mite and nematode pest control agents have been used as biocontrol. Aug 31, 2022 · This review shows some relevant examples of known bacterial biocontrol agents, with especial emphasis on research carried out by Spanish groups. Jun 10, 2021 · This paper underscores the utility of biocontrol agents composed of microorganisms including bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae, plant-based compounds, and recently applied RNAi-based technology. , 2022; Yao et al. The antagonists and shelf life of biocontrol agents are short. Biocontrol agents are living organisms that are used to control pests and diseases in plants. Some of these plants are already weeds or becoming weeds. Learn about biocontrol agents, the organisms or microorganisms that control the plant pathogen or pest population. Representative Examples of Insect Pestsand their Biocontrol Agents. kurstaki is effective only against caterpillars, but Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. 1 Biological Control of Pests1. Biological control is a practical option for suppressing pest populations because: It is easy and safe to use. Fungi: Beauveria bassiana acts as biopesticide for a phids, bugs, mites, white flies etc. Biological control of plant diseases relies heavily on this latter strategy which requires, in most countries of the world, the use May 1, 2020 · In a broader definition, biocontrol has been suggested to also include the use of non-living agents of biological origin (Timmusk et al. Biocontrol agents are used to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment and to humans. These organisms can include bacteria, fungi, viruses, insects, and other natural enemies of pests. Viability of the biocontrol agents needs to be maintained as they have short shelf life. Reported examples are predators that feed on pests, parasitoids that lay eggs that grow in the pest and later kill it, parasites that weaken the pest and pathogens that infect and kill their pest host . 2022). Chemical control strategies rely heavily on synthetic chemical nematicides to reduce PPN popu … Jan 31, 2018 · Biocontrol agents are mainly used against specific diseases as a preventive measure, not as a curative measure. In addition to Trichoderma, nine genera are recognized as significant comprising five or more known antagonistic species, namely Alternaria, Aspergillus, Candida, Fusarium, Penicillium Potential biocontrol agents are imported to the new location of the pest and released. 1. The main purpose of biocontrol agents is to increase crop yield by eradicating pests and insects. In agriculture, microbial biocontrol agents are usually referred to as Mar 18, 2020 · Three strategies of use of biocontrol agents are generally distinguished: classical biological control, conservation biological control and augmentative (or inundation) biological control (Eilenberg et al. They are not genetically modified and generally have short re-entry Oct 1, 2019 · Mechanisms underlying the biocontrol activity of yeasts. For example, Bacillus thuringiensis which is often referred to as Bt is a microbial biocontrol agent. Examples include parasitoid wasps, predatory mites against several pests such as potato tuber moth and pathogenic A fungal biopesticide to prevent and control locust swarms. The number of introduced plant species have dramatically increased over the years. In addition, the importance of the screening process and of the key steps in the development of bacterial biocontrol agents is highlighted. g. bx dt ov qd lu oz ab ph nr kb