Systems for Efficient Delivery of Microbial Biocontrol Agents to Soil

Efficient delivery of microbial biocontrol agents implies a process that requires the least amount of time, effort, and product (and therefore, the least cost), while still delivering the agent in a way that is efficacious. To accomplish this goal, a sufficient quantity of the agent must be delivered in an appropriate state of activity and to the right place at the right time to effect economical control. Activity state of a given microbial biocontrol agent and proper timing and placement of the inoculum are usually more important than introduction of a large population of the agent. Thus, for efficient delivery, we need to consider plant-pathogen-agent interactions in terms of time and space. The choice of delivery system will be dictated by both control strategies and characteristics of the organisms and cropping systems involved.