Biocontrol agents, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoans, are utilized to manage pathogens, pests, and weeds.
They either induce the disease in pests, compete with them, or directly eliminate them.
Examples:
Bacillus thuringiensis:
1. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) serves as a microbial pesticide specifically designed for eliminating butterflies and caterpillars.
2. Bt is employed to control butterfly and caterpillar populations due to its pesticidal properties.
3. The targeted use of Bacillus thuringiensis aims to eradicate butterflies and caterpillars as a means of pest management.
Trichoderma:
1. Trichoderma fungus serves as a potent biocontrol agent, effectively combating soil-borne fungal plant pathogens that target roots and rhizomes.
2. Its efficacy lies in its ability to suppress and counteract infections caused by fungal pathogens in the soil.
3. Trichoderma’s role as a biocontrol agent makes it a valuable tool in protecting plant health and promoting robust root and rhizome systems.