Implementation of biological methods of plant protection: Experiences with microbial products

Abstract

The development of the company “Prophyta Biologischer Pflanzenschutz GmbH” is presented from its foundation in 1992 until the present day. The concept and conditions that led to the founding of the company – which would not have been possible without the reunification of Germany – are revealed. It was necessary to set up the company to expedite the development of the first authorised biological fungicide in Germany. How the idea of developing a fungicide on the basis of the fungus Coniothyrium minitans was implemented in detail and what difficulties needed to be overcome in the process are also revealed. In this regard, the problems the company had to contend with in obtaining approval for the new product and how a production plant was financed and built up, enabling approx. 700 t of a biological fungicide to be produced annually, are described. The efforts that were required to market the new preparation are outlined, and it is shown how the company was slowly able to establish itself through further products on the market. Finally, the current status of the company is described, highlighting the successful development of a firm that has committed itself to biological plant protection.