Abstract
The biocontrol of crown gall has been practised in Australia for 48 years. Control is so efficient that it is difficult to find a galled stone fruit tree, when previously, crown gall had been a major problem. This paper explains how it works and why only pathogens are inhibited. A commercial biopesticide is available in Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Turkey, the USA, South Africa and Japan. The challenges of commercialising a biopesticide are outlined. Rigid regulations are preventing the wider use of biocontrol organisms.
Highlights
Crown gall is caused by soil-inhabiting bacteria that transfer some of their DNA to plant cells [1], Crown gall is caused by soil-inhabiting bacteria that transfer some of their DNA to plant cells which, as a result, grow and divide out of control to form galls or tumours
The system has at least two very interesting features: only pathogens are inhibited antibiotic so there is no damage to the environment, and the system has been used commercially for by the antibiotic so there is no damage to the environment, and the system has been used about 48 years but there is no evidence of resistance to agrocin 84 developing
Besides the formulation, manufacturing, technical, marketing and distribution aspects, the most significant challenge to the commercialisation of K84 or K1026 is successfully getting through the process of biopesticide registration with government agencies, especially for K1026 because of its 5.9 kb deletion within the transfer region of pAgK84
Summary
Crown gall is caused by soil-inhabiting bacteria that transfer some of their DNA to plant cells [1], Crown gall is caused by soil-inhabiting bacteria that transfer some of their DNA to plant cells which, as a result, grow and divide out of control to form galls or tumours. The tumour-inducing [1], which, as a result, grow and divide out of control to form galls or tumours. The tumour-inducing genes are located on a plasmid, pTi [1]. Genes are located on a plasmid, pTi [1]. Infection may occur through wounds or lenticels [3]. An efficient biocontrol agent should be able to Infection may occur through wounds or lenticels [3]. An efficient biocontrol agent should be able to colonise both sites
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
