Biological or microbial fungicides can be effective parts of your overall root disease prevention program. Healthy roots produce healthy plants and better sell-through. These type of products complement sanitation efforts, cultural practices and pesticide applications.

Biological fungicides can also eliminate or reduce the use of chemical fungicides, which not only saves input costs, but also protects from resistance problems.

Rotating a biological fungicide between chemical applications can extend their usefulness before resistance develops and reduce the overall use of chemicals.

Biological fungicides are effective when a high population of good organisms are introduced, which overwhelm the bad or ineffective organisms. Various modes of action are claimed for both bacterial and fungal biological fungicides.

Like any product, biological fungicides have strengths and weaknesses. Strengths of some microbial fungicides include no resistance development, extended disease control from one application, gentler to plant material, lower toxicity and a better perception of sustainability.

Some weaknesses include a shorter shelf life compared to chemicals, special storage requirements, frequent applications, lack of rapid results and concern over chemical compatibility.

Before trying any new product, all questions should be addressed with the supplier.

You can be successful with biological fungicides. First, understand that these products are used as preventive measures. They must be applied early and before a pathogen strikes. Use biological fungicides throughout the production cycle. Only use a living biological fungicide. A dead, expired product will not produce results.
Compare biological fungicides to your current practices, including a control with no treatment.

BioWorks has a team of experts ready to answer your questions regarding the successful use of biological fungicides in your crop.

For more information, visit http://www.bioworksinc.com/products/horticulture.php.