The use of biologicals to enhance vegetable seed quality
1998
Bennett, M.A.
Beneficial bacteria and fungi provide promising alternatives or supplements to chemicals as seed treatments against soilborne pathogens. This review provides an assessment of biological control agents (BCA's) currently used with vegetable crop species, and key limitations to expanded use of BCA's as seed treatments. Research areas for improved biological efficacy and reliability in field and greenhouse settings are also discussed. The ability of BCA's to effectively colonize and grow with the seedling root system may be particularly useful when crops experience environmental stress. Improved application methods to optimize the density and uniformity of biologicals on seeds are increasing the reliability of BCA technology. Early results also suggest variable levels of BCA compatibility with chemical seed treatments and other microbial applications. Progress in storability, ease of application and economy of BCA production will be needed to move biologicals beyond their niche position in the seed treatment market.
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