Abstract:
BioGreen is currently the only mycoinsecticide registered in Australia. Research has shown that mycoinsecticides based on conidia of naturally occurring strains of Metarhizium are potentially valuable for control of a range of pests including canegrubs, termites and locusts. Recent developments with commercialization of products for these three target pests are reviewed. It is expected that BioCane, a granular product based on isolate FI-1045 of M. anisopliae var. anisopliae, for control of greyback canegrub, Dermolepida albohirtum, will be registered shortly following successful large-scale trials involving almost 9 tonnes of product in 1999. Another isolate from the same clade, FI-610, has been found to be effective against a range of termite species and is currently in commercial trials. Finally, large-scale testing of an isolate of M. anisopliae var. acridum against locusts has shown that doses as low as 1 × 10¹² conidia/ha can effectively control Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera, while slightly higher doses have given good results against migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, spur-throated locust, Austracris guttulosa, and wingless grasshopper, Phaulacridium vittatum. It is expected that this product, recently given the name Green Guard™, will be used as a component of the preventive control programmes by the Australian Plague Locust Control Commission on properties where an organic control method is preferred. Australia, with two commercial producers of Metarhizium-based products, is poised to take advantage of the many benefits of using mycoinsecticides based on the Metarhizium fungus.

Abstract:
The prospects for development of microbial control in West Africa are bright, with many stakeholders in plant protection both within and beyond the region becoming increasingly interested. To date however, on the West African market, there are only two microbial products available, and many opportunities remain to be fully explored. Apart from commercially oriented pathways, alternative methods of pathogen propagation and implementation are being studied, to serve the needs of those agricultural sectors which do not provide sufficient profit margins, such as the mainly traditional subsistence systems. Several groups are developing common regional registration frameworks for pesticides, and the need for adapted regulations and guidelines for microbial products is being addressed. This is a strong opportunity for creating a framework which does not only promote commercial products, but also alternative implementation pathways.