The fungal biocontrol agent Coniothyrium minitans: production by solid-state fermentation, application and marketing

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2001 Jul;56(1-2):58-68. doi: 10.1007/s002530100678.

Abstract

Biological control agents (BCAs) are potential alternatives for the chemical fungicides presently used in agriculture to fight plant diseases. Coniothyrium minitans is an example of a promising fungal BCA. It is a naturally occurring parasite of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a wide-spread pathogen which substantially reduces the yield of many crops. This review describes, exemplified by C. minitans, the studies that need to be carried out before a fungal BCA is successfully introduced into the market. The main aspects considered are the biology of C. minitans, the development of a product by mass production of spores using solid-state fermentation technology, its biocontrol activity and marketing of the final product.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ascomycota
  • Fermentation*
  • Fungi / growth & development
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Fungicides, Industrial / metabolism*
  • Fungicides, Industrial / pharmacology
  • Spores, Fungal / physiology

Substances

  • Fungicides, Industrial