RESPONSES

There is an increasing concern over the use of pesticides in agriculture.  These chemicals have the capability to create pollution and harm to the environment by runoff and non-point source pollution.  Thus, people are looking to organic approaches to disease control, including the use of biological control agents (BCAs).  These are naturally occurring, have a low environmental impact, less prone to resistance, cost-effective, and chemical-free.  

On the other hand, BCAs may not be the best option for disease control in agriculture.  The patterns may be inconsistent and easily swayed by environmental factors, they may be too specific or slow-acting, and have chances of mutation and a lack of long-term control.  Also, depending on the needs, practicality, and compatibility with niche ecosystems and markets, this way of disease control may not be able to keep up to speed and the amount of expected harvest, and may even be more expensive.

There are a range of BCAs available for usage in agro-ecosystems.  Fungal products and fungicides are on the increase, however many farmers may register them as a stimulant or soil conditioner rather than claiming fungicidal activity, which presents health and safety code concerns.  There are also many soil and root microbiomes used, such as the mycoparasite Coniothyrium minitans and trichoderma harzianum.  There are aerial microbimones such as ampelomyces quisqualis and phlebiopsis gigantea.

Opportunities for future development of these kinds of BCAs depend on market needs and legislatures.  The acceptance and demand for sustainable agricultural systems have the potential to greatly increase the use of these alternatives to pesticides.  One of the main limitations and concerns is the inconsistency that is possible with these biocontrol agents.  They may be unpredictable, and thus farmers are being encouraged to practice screening and development projects to test out the best way to conduct these practices.  Articles and sources such as these are very important in these developments, and it is crucial that we keep researching.