Combinations of biological control agents and fungicides

摘要

Compositions are provided that improve overall plant vigor and yield by combining agriculturally effective amounts of at least one environmentally friendly biological control agent and at least one fungicide. A composition of the present invention is particularly effective in the presence of plant parasitic nematode and fungal species. Along with a benefit of reducing insect pressure, the inventive composition enhances the root system of a plant and improves the establishment of the biological control agent within the rhizosphere, thereby enhancing the effectiveness thereof. Use of a composition of the present invention leads to an overall reduction in crop losses caused by either plant parasitic nematodes or fungi and this reduction is much greater than would have been expected from application of either component alone. Methods for utilizing compositions of the present invention are also provided. Further the compositions according to this invention display synergistic insecticidal, nematicidal, acaricidal or fungicidal activity.