Biological agents formulation and mode of application against strawberry diseases

Biological plant protection products can be an important tool in integrated pest management. The production and formulation of micro-organisms to an applicable product are still a challenge. The final product is a compromise between biomass production, storage and efficacy capabilities. Often the performance depends from the testing system in fact antagonism showed in laboratory or controlled chambers can fail in the field. Therefore it is important to test biological plant protection products at the intended application environment. Also storage and efficacy tests should be made with the final product since the living organisms there contained can be influenced by the fermentation and the formulation processes. Cooperation between industry, science and farmers is needed to develop a product with stable results in time and different environments.