Succes and future of plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria and biocontrol agents

摘要

Very few plant pathogens have been successfully controlled by commercial formulations of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and/or biological control agents. In reality, attempts to commercialize biocontrol and/or PGPR formulations have facedwith many problems. Problems in the development and commercialization of biological control agents and/or PGPR can be identified as Research or Regulatory. Regulatory agencies require lengthy procedures to obtain registration of the biocontrol or PGPR products. The other problems are: lack of relevant research, such as population dynamics of biocontrol agents and PGPR, and microbial ecology; the "magic bullet" approach; high cost and delays in patent approvals. Examples of successful biological controlagents and PGPR which have already reached the market or are likely to be exploited commercially in the near future are discussed. Possible future opportunities for biological control agents and PGPR in view of various problems of production and/or registration are also discussed. The prospects for PGPR and biocontrol agents are looking better as new research on plant-microbe interaction and biotechnology is showing excellent potential for new and effective approached.