Articles
RISK ANALYSIS IN THE RELEASE OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS: ANTAGONISTIC FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM AS A CASE STUDY
Article number
482_21
Pages
145 – 152
Language
Abstract
Risk assessment studies were undertaken with the aim of evaluating environmental risks related to the large scale introduction of antagonistic F. oxysporum. Genetic stability, potential genetic transfer from one strain to another, pathogenicity to host and non-host plants, and disruption of the ecosystem were identified as the most critical hazards.
Suitable marker systems and tracking methods were developed, which proved reliable and sensitive for monitoring the establishment, movement, and fate of antagonistic Fusarium. In disinfested and in natural soil, and in the rhizosphere of plants, a decline in the population of introduced antagonistic Fusarium was observed, thus indicating minimal risk of build up in the environment.
The greatest vertical movement of antagonistic Fusarium spp. throughout water transportation was found in lighter, sandy soils.
No negative effects were ever observed on resident microbial populations as a consequence of massive introduction of antagonistic F. oxysporum strains.
Pathogenicity assays on a large array of weeds and of cultivated plants indicate that the antagonistic Fusarium spp. are not able to cause disease.
Genetic exchange of the benomyl resistance character among antagonistic and pathogenic F. oxysporum strains did not occur even under the most conducive experimental conditions.
Suitable marker systems and tracking methods were developed, which proved reliable and sensitive for monitoring the establishment, movement, and fate of antagonistic Fusarium. In disinfested and in natural soil, and in the rhizosphere of plants, a decline in the population of introduced antagonistic Fusarium was observed, thus indicating minimal risk of build up in the environment.
The greatest vertical movement of antagonistic Fusarium spp. throughout water transportation was found in lighter, sandy soils.
No negative effects were ever observed on resident microbial populations as a consequence of massive introduction of antagonistic F. oxysporum strains.
Pathogenicity assays on a large array of weeds and of cultivated plants indicate that the antagonistic Fusarium spp. are not able to cause disease.
Genetic exchange of the benomyl resistance character among antagonistic and pathogenic F. oxysporum strains did not occur even under the most conducive experimental conditions.
Authors
M.L. Gullino, Q. Migheli
Keywords
microbial release, risk assessment
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