Biological control agents for mycotoxin control : are they resilient enough?

Abstract

This Chapter examines the approaches which have been used to identify the potential for identifying biocontrol agents (BCAs) which can compete effectively with mycotoxigenic fungi and result in the reduction in mycotoxin production. A range of microorganisms have been examined to competitively exclude mycotoxigenic fungi from the target niche The competitiveness is influenced by environmental factors, especially changes in water availability and temperature. The relative inoculum potential of the BCA vs the toxigenic target species is important as this influences the potential downstream production and formulation necessary for effective control. In addition, the formulation of the BCA becomes important especially when the requirement is for foliar application in the field.