Among the topics to be presented and discussed:
- A critical review of the current status of postharvest biocontrol with an emphasis on what has been accomplished and what critical questions still need to be addressed.
- Identification of the barriers that prevent the wide scale commercial application of biocontrol products (microbial antagonists and natural compounds).
- Identification of potential methods for enhancing the efficacy of postharvest biocontrol agents including the use of natural products.
- Evaluation of our current knowledge on the mode of action of postharvest biocontrol agents and identifying research needs and priorities for future studies and advances in the field of postharvest biocontrol.
- What can be learned from research in other fields such as medical mycology, microbial ecology of the phyllosphere, and, molecular biology of foliar and soil biocontrol agents.
- Identification of critical needs in formulation science and technology for microbial biocontrol agents and natural compounds.
- Evaluation of the role of commercial companies in development and implementation of biocontrol products in a global marketplace.
- What is the global climate for this technology, especially in areas that are developing strong export industries such as South America and Asia.
- Encouraging and facilitating the assembly of integrated teams to continue the development of novel approaches for the control of postharvest diseases.
Workshop Format:
Oral presentations (given by invited speakers only), panel discussions, contributed posters, and ample opportunities for formal discussions. Manuscripts of all contributions will be published as a special volume of Acta Horticulturae both in paper format and on line.