Registration of Phlebiopsis gigantea as a Forest Biocontrol Agent in the UK: Recent Experience

Abstract

The registration of one of the world's first biological control agents for a plant pathogen, in January 1998, after 30 years of field use, is discussed in relation to its approval under the UK Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986. The control agent, Phlebiopsis gigantea (formerly known as Peniophora gigantea), is a common wood-rotting basidiomycete which is applied to the freshly cut surfaces of pine stumps to prevent their colonization by the pathogenic rootrotting fungus Heterobasidion annosum . Unlike many other biocontrol agents, P. gigantea is not a biocide that kills the target organism. Rather, it competes for resources that the pathogen would otherwise use, providing an extension to a naturally occurring process. Experience in securing approval is reviewed, with special reference to the identity of the organism and its natural distribution, and to assessments of the risk its use might pose in the environment. It is suggested that before the formal process of applying for approval of a biocontrol agent begins, there should be procedures for agreeing precise data requirements. These should be based on the type of crop to be treated and the mode of operation and characteristics of the biocontrol organism. This would streamline the registration process.