Commercial Production of BACs - Commercial production of enhanced bio-control agents for combating soil-borne pathogens

Biodynamic agriculture in Egypt faces an increasing problem with soil-borne pathogens (mainly fungi and nematodes) due to practices in conventional agriculture that entails intensive growing of a limited number of crops in short rotations. Many national strategies plan to reduce the use of soil disinfectants by the next century in order not to aggravate the situation. Possible, environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions to the problem is the introduction of bio-control agents (BCAs) or/and new crops rotations. BCAs are naturally occurring microorganisms, which are able to effectively colonize plants and promote growth and health of plant by various mechanisms. The general objectives of this proposal are focused on the application of fundamental procedures in Bio-control Agents and natural products, to produce local compounds with more potent activity and suitable for Egyptian conditions (soil, pathogen species, weather, etc). This will reduce the wide application of chemical pesticides in Egyptian farms and lead to the elimination of their destructive effects on the environment and the related health hazards.