This book presents a comprehensive compilation of registration requirements necessary for authorisation of biological control agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, active substances of natural origin and semiochemicals) in OECD countries. It also reviews data requirements for invertebrate agents (insect, mites and nematodes) and provides proposals for harmonisation of the regulation process and guidelines for completion of application forms. Based on results of the EU REBECA Policy Support Action, which gathered experts from academia, regulation authorities and industry, risks and benefits of the specific agents were reviewed and proposals for a more balanced registration process elaborated, including recommendations for acceleration of the authorisation process and discussions on trade-off effects and policy impacts. All these aspects are covered in detail in this book, which points the way forward for enhanced utilisation of biological control agents.

Regulatory perspectives in biocontrol: risk management, hazard identification, risk assessment, and federal decisions; Reflections of a regulated biological control researcher; Regulation of microbial biological pest control agents by the EPA; Regulation by USDA/APHIS of biological control organisms; Some insightson biological assessment; Biological control: state regulatory view point; The TAG: development, functions, procedures, and problems; Regulatory encouragement of biological weed control with plant pathogens; Barriers to implementation of biological control of plant pathogens; The effect of regulations on the use of insect pathogens as biological control agents; Regulation of genetically engineered microbial pesticides; An industry perspective of a streamlined regulatory process for biological pest control; Entomophatogenic nematodes; Environmental issues of biological control regulation; The biological control regulatory process in Australia; Panel discussions.

Biocontrol and Secondary Metabolites: Applications and Immunization for Plant Growth and Protection covers established and updated research on emerging trends in plant defense signaling in, and during, stress phases. Other topics cover growth at interface as a sustainable way of life and the context of human welfare and conservation of fungi as a group of organisms. Further, the book explores induced systemic resistance using biocontrol agents and/or secondary metabolites as a milestone for sustainable agricultural production, thus providing opportunities for the minimization or elimination of the use of fungicides. Presents an overview on mechanisms by which plants protect themselves against herbivory and pathogenic microbes Identifies the use of immunization as a popular and effective alternative to chemical pesticides Explores how these fungi help crop plants in better uptake of soil nutrients, increase soil fertility, produce growth promoting substances, and secrete metabolites that act as bio-pesticides

This document dealing with biological pesticides provides guidance to both industry and regulatory authorities, in the context of applications for the approval of microbial biological control agents (mBCAs), and for the registration of microbial biological control products (mBCPs).

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