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Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides:

Beneficial Microorganisms, Nematodes
and Seed Treatments. Edited by H...

Article in Journal of Invertebrate Pathology February 2001

DOI: 10.1006/jipa.2000.5005

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Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 77, 147 (2001)
doi:10.1006/jipa.2000.5005, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on
BOOK REVIEW
Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides: Beneficial Micro-
organisms, Nematodes and Seed Treatments. Edited by H. D.
Burges. ISBN 0-412-62520-2. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dor-
drecht, The Netherlands. 412 pp. $305.00.
Very few individuals have had as much impact on the field of inver-
tebrate pathology as Dr. Denis Burges. Since his retirement in 1987
he has remained very active in various aspects of invertebrate pathol-
ogy and microbial control. One of the fruits of this activity is the
production of the book Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides. In addi-
tion to editing the book, Dr. Burges did a large portion of the writing.
Microbial control agents offer several advantages over conventional
chemical insecticides, but their widespread implementation will depend
on greater efficacy and persistence than many of the unformulated
candidate pathogens provide. Formulation will play a key role in har-
nessing the microbial control potential of most pathogens of inverte-
brates, weeds, and plants, as well as contribute to longer shelf life and
ease of application. Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides provides
information on the formulation of microbes and nematodes that is based
on the biological and ecological properties of these organisms. The book
draws upon the extensive knowledge of an international group of 15
experts. The scope of the book includes formulation of pathogens of
invertebrate pests, microorganisms to control plant diseases and weeds,
and other beneficial microorganisms. The book is divided into 10 chap-
ters comprising a brief introduction and 5 broad subject areas: princi-
ples of formulation (one chapter), organisms with a peroral mode of
action (one long chapter), organisms with a contact mode of action (5
chapters), organisms with a power of search (one chapter), and the
future (one chapter). There are also three appendixes covering formu-
lation additives and spray application criteria and a glossary.
The introduction (chapter 1) and chapter on technology of formula-
tion and application (chapter 2) provide general background on the need
for and types and functions of formulation and set the stage for the more
specific information in the following chapters. Chapters 3, 4, and 9
specifically cover formulation of entomopathogens and nematodes for
insect control. Chapter 3 is Formulation of Bacteria, Viruses and
Protozoa to Control Insects, chapter 4 is Formulation of Mycoinsecti-
cides, and chapter 9 is Formulation of Entomopathogenic Nema-
todes. Chapter 3 provides a veritable cornucopia of information on
formulation of entomopathogens with a peroral mode of action. It covers
optimization of production and stabilization of bacteria and virus for
formulation, formulation types, adjuvants (wetters, stickers, phago-
stimulants, sunscreens, etc.), toxins with systemic action (transgenic
plants and endophytic microorganisms), application to water, and fu-
ture trends and research in formulation technology. The chapter is
richly referenced (over 400 references) and provides exhaustive infor-
mation in well-organized tables on formulation components, their uses,
and preparation.
The chapter on mycoinsecticides covers a range of information similar
to that of the chapter on entomopathogens with peroral activity, but
also addresses issues specific to fungi. The chapter includes sections on
water relationships of fungi, application of fungal sprays (includes for-
mulation for dry and wet climates, adjuvants, endophytic growth, and
formulation with chemical pesticides), application to soil and water,
storage, production, and future development and research. The 200-
plus references and diversified information on adjuvants and prepara-
tion of formulations in the tables enhance the utility of this chapter.
The majority of information in chapter 9 on formulation of ento-
mopathogenic nematodes addresses formulation to increase shelf life
and to facilitate application. The reduced size and content of the chapter
147
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are due no doubt to the nature of the organisms, the number of species
being developed, and the shorter history of commercial availability. The
section on future directions includes the use of attractants, attractant
traps, synergistic combination with other biologicals or insecticides, and
formulations that permit application to specific habitats.
Although there is brief treatment of entomopathogens of seed and soil
pest insects in chapters 7 and 8, most of the information in chapters 5 8
pertains predominantly to fungi, and to a lesser extent bacteria for
control of plant diseases or weeds, or to enhancement of crop perfor-
mance. Formulation of microorganisms to control plant diseases (chap-
ter 5) addresses commercial biocontrol products, types of formulations,
and future research. The chapter on microbial herbicides (chapter 6)
presents information on the use and formulation of fungi for terrestrial
and aquatic weed control. Topics presented in the chapter include
production, factors affecting efficacy, foliage application, additive toxic-
ity and synergy, aqueous and oil-based sprays, spray application, solid
formulations, and future research. Formulation of beneficial organisms
applied to soil (chapter 7) for the most part covers formulation and
application of fungi. The chapter addresses placement considerations
and methods of application, formulation of beneficial organisms, adju-
vants, processing methods, and future research requirements. Al-
though biological control of plant disease and insects receives attention
in the chapter, the majority of the information pertains to organisms
that enhance cultivar performance, especially Rhizobium spp. The
chapter on application of microorganisms to seeds (chapter 8) also goes
beyond the scope of biopesticides and includes microorganisms that
enhance plant growth, nitrogen fixation, etc. The chapter presents
information on seed treatment processes, rhizobial inoculants, applica-
tion of biological control agents (actinomycetes, bacteria, and fungi),
mycorrhizal inoculants, and future research needs. Approximately 20%
of this chapter addresses the use of microorganisms as biological control
agents, with the majority of information on control of plant pathogens.
Brief coverage is provided on the use of Serratia entomophila and
Metarhizium anisopliae as seed treatments for insect control.
The final chapter of the book, Trends in Formulation of Microorgan-
isms and Future Research Requirements, covers a range of topics
including problems encountered with microbial control agents and po-
tential solutions, limits to improvements by formulation, and needs for
future basic research. The appendixes further enhance this opus as a
source of useful information. For example, the catalogue of adjuvants
includes not only information on function and properties, but also a list
of suppliers.
Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides is a valuable reference and
will complement the microbial control libraries of researchers and prac-
titioners alike. The several chapters that cover subject matter outside
the realm of invertebrate pathology broaden the utility of the book and
will facilitate cross-fertilization of ideas between disciplines using mi-
croorganisms to control plant pathogens, weeds, and invertebrate pests.
The only downside to the book is the rather high price. Prohibitive
pricing appears to be the current trend for publishers of science books in
general and Kluwer in particular. It would be wonderful if this and
other recently published useful reference books in invertebrate pathol-
ogy could reach all of the intended audiences rather than only those
that can afford them.
Lawrence A. Lacey
Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory
USDA-ARS
5230 Konnowac Pass Road
Wapato, Washington 98951
0022-2011/01 $35.00