Biocontrol of Crown Gall by <i>Rhizobium rhizogenes</i>: Challenges in Biopesticide Commercialisation

Abstract

The biocontrol of crown gall has been practised in Australia for 48 years. Control is so efficient that it is difficult to find a galled stone fruit tree, when previously, crown gall had been a major problem. This paper explains how it works and why only pathogens are inhibited. A commercial biopesticide is available in Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Turkey, the USA, South Africa and Japan. The challenges of commercialising a biopesticide are outlined. Rigid regulations are preventing the wider use of biocontrol organisms.

Keywords

• crown gall
• <i>Agrobacterium</i>
• <i>Rhizobium</i>
• agrocin 84
• TM84
• agrocinopine