AGROACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN

Microbial metabolites attract increasing attention as potential pestic ides. They are expected to overcome the resistance and pollution that have accompanied the use of synthetic pesticides. Several microbial me tabolites, such as avermectin, have proved useful as agroactive agents . In this review, we attempt to identify newer agroactive microbial me tabolites with feasible activity or interesting action sites from thos e reported in recent years. In addition, microbial and chemical modifi cations of existing microbial agrochemicals are discussed to illustrat e the usefulness of these technologies in potentiating agroactivity an d stability. We discuss the possibility of future discovery of excelle nt microbial agrochemicals, and the importance of efforts to promote p ositive public perception and public acceptance of pesticide chemicals .