A treasure trove of insect pathogens and other beneficial microbes

Abstract

AgResearch Lincoln maintains two large collections of beneficial microbes which include insectpathogenic bacteria and fungi and plant growthpromoting microorganisms The collections serve as a repository for indigenous microbes of potential value as biocontrol agents and plant growth stimulants as well as reference isolates from overseas collections Over 3500 bacterial and 680 fungal isolates have been accessioned over a 22year period from most regions in New Zealand including the Chatham Islands Preservation of these vital genetic resources is essential for current and future bioprotection programmes providing a source of beneficial microbes for regulation of pest threats arising through biosecurity failure new crop management priorities and climate change The microbes are made available for research trials/commercialisation through collaborative programmes with research organisations such as Plant Food Research (fungi and bacteria for control of chorus cicada Fullers rose weevil bronze beetle) Landcare Research (fungi for control of social wasps) Auckland University (effect of endophytic insectpathogenic fungi on plant growth) and industry partners In the last decade the collections have also played a role in confirming the presence in New Zealand of microorganisms formerly considered to be new under the HSNO Act