Biological control

 

Nature’s own micro-organisms can be used to replace conventional pesticides. This is desirable because many pesticides persist in the environment and find their way into the food chain.

Such useful micro-organisms are called BCA’s (Biological Control Agents), and several are already on the market.

 

Our research focuses on the micro-organism Clonostachys rosea, which is very efficient in fighting several plant disease-causing fungi (pathogens). Clonostachys rosea is a versatile and effective BCA against soil and seed-borne and foliage diseases, that cause serious losses in a number of crops.

 

Clonostachys rosea uses different mechanisms when combating pathogens:

 

· It starves the pathogen by absorbing available nutrients

· It secretes enzymes or antibiotics that inhibit or kill the pathogen

· It parasitizes or digests the pathogen,

· It stimulates the plant’s own defence mechanisms (resistance) against the pathogen.

 

 

The three-way interaction interface between BCAs, pathogens and plants is also an exciting place to look for new and novel enzymes with industrial potential, i.e. for use in detergents, biofuel or fermenting of foods. We are involved in such a project.

 

More info: Associate professor Birgit Jensen