Jv. Cross et Dr. Polonenko, AN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE ON REGISTRATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF BIOCONTROL AGENTS IN CANADA, Canadian journal of plant pathology, 18(4), 1996, pp. 446-454
Numerous scientific publications indicate that a wide variety of micro
organisms are capable of effectively controlling pests such as weeds.
insects, nematodes, and fungal diseases. In most cases, the levels of
biocontrol achieved by the various microorganisms in laboratory or con
trolled-environment studies are sufficient to suggest that they could
provide reliable, effective alternatives to or complement chemical pes
ticides. Therefore, it is surprising and disappointing that so few bio
control products have been successfully commercialized. A number of si
gnificant challenges must be overcome during development of a biocontr
ol product. These include development of a cost-effective high-volume
manufacturing process, stable formulations which have at least a one-s
eason shelf-life and are easy to use, and consistent and reproducible
control of the target pest under a wide variety of environmental condi
tions. Another key challenge, which is separate from the product devel
opment process but essential for successful commercialization, is to s
ecure product registration in a timely, straight-forward manner. This
paper reviews the major issues, based on personal experience and publi
shed information, that must be addressed in order to successfully brin
g a biocontrol product into the market place.