Fungi as biocontrol agents, Mushroom cultivation, Mycorrhiza application in agriculture and plant growth
Fungi as biocontrol agents:- > Fungi possess a number of characteristics that make them potentially ideal bio control agents. i. Firstly, many saprophytic species antagonize, representatives of all the pest organisms, including plant pathogenic fungi, weeds and insects. ii. Secondly, fungi can be readily grown in culture so that large quantities can be economically produced for release, mainly as spores or mycelial fragments, into the environment. > These inoculants then germinate or grow to produce active mycelium which can parasitize or otherwise inhibit the pest without damaging the non-target organisms. > Fungi also survive for relatively long periods as resting bodies, and can then germinate to grow and control the target population thereby making continual re-inoculation with the bio-control agent unnecessary. 1. Use of Fungi to Control Fungal diseases:- > Example of Bio Control Agents Used Commercially:- i. Trichoderma harzianum:- White rot ...