The importance of monitoring antagonists survival for efficient biocontrol.
Towsen, E., Wyngaardt, S. van, Verschoor, J. A. and Korsten, L.
Yearbook - South African Avocado Growers' Association Year: 1995 Vol: 18 Pages: 121-123 Ref: 20 ref.
1995
บทคัดย่อ
Biological control of both pre- and postharvest avocado fruit diseases has been investigated at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, for the past 8 years. Biological control can be used more easily post-harvest than pre-harvest since environmental conditions can be manipulated more effectively to enhance antagonist survival. Poor antagonist survival under pre-harvest field conditions can affect the efficacy of the biocontrol programme due to fluctuating environmental conditions. It is suggested that monitoring antagonist survival is of prime importance to ensure effective disease control. In this study different antagonist detection methods were evaluated and compared with monitor antagonist survival during field spray applications. These methods included electron microscopy, leaf imprint and dilution plate techniques. However, none of these methods were effective for accurate and rapid field monitoring of antagonist survival. Monoclonal antibodies were subsequently raised against the antag
onist Bacillus subtilis, which is currently used in the avocado biocontrol programme. The ELISA technique used to detect bacteria on plant material was selected and optimised to monitor different antagonist concn on the avocado phylloplane under greenhouse conditions. The ELISA technique is currently being evaluated for field monitoring of antagonist survival as part of the pre-harvest biocontrol spray programme.