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

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