Dr Gerardo (University of Trento, Italy) Puopolo 
Microbial Biocontrol Agents : Developing Effective Biopesticides [PDF ebook] 
Developing Effective Biopesticides

The negative impact of chemical pesticides on human wellbeing and the environment has encouraged the development of eco-friendly alternatives for the management of plant pathogens. However, only a small number of microbial biocontrol agents (m BCAs) have been developed, registered and used in the management of plant diseases. This book analyses the deployment of m BCAs for the development of novel microbial biopesticides, considering the main plant-beneficial traits, procedures needed for effective formulations and the processes used for their validation. To guide the readers through the world of microbial biopesticides, the book starts with a chapter dedicated to the regulations that need to be followed for the development of final products. Readers will understand the importance of formulation and mode of action of m BCAs in developing microbial biopesticides. They will become familiar with key m BCAs such as Ampelomyces quisqualis, Bacillus spp., Trichoderma spp., and Pseudomonas spp., understanding the importance of formulation for their application in the field. This book explains the use of m BCAs to control post-harvest diseases and the potential of endophytic microorganisms as next-generation microbial biopesticides. A final chapter provides a useful workflow for the selection of new m BCAs and describes microbial species including promising m BCAs that might be developed as new microbial biopesticides. – Gives useful insights into the practicalities of regulation of m BCAs – Describes the underlying biology that it is critical to developing m BCAs – Provides case studies for key m BCA species – Indicates microbial species exploitable for the development of new microbial biopesticides For students and researchers involved in crop protection and biological control