| Popis: |
Publisher Summary Weeds continue to be one of the major contributing factors to yield loss in agricultural production in developing countries, and contribute significantly to crop yield losses. This chapter provides an overview on some of the biological control agents, but also focuses on new approaches for implementation of biocontrol, including the integration of multiple pathogens and insects and biotechnological approaches such as development of effective formulations and DNA technologies to enhance virulence and pathogenicity and monitor the dispersal and eventual risk of introducing these microbial agents into the environment. Although, research on bioherbicides has enjoyed more support than research on classical biological control, investment in long-term research coupled with the lack of support by administrators and funding agencies in general have been major impediments to the introduction of new classical biological control agents. Current efforts to develop integrated weed management programs that include modifications to cultural practices, additions of cover crops, green manure, and use of soil solarization are systems that contribute to weed control, but would benefit from combinations with biological control agents. |
