Population Dynamics of Biocontrol Agents and Pathogens in Soils and Rhizospheres

Understanding the dynamics between a pathogen and a biocontrol agent (BCA) in soil or in an infection court such as the rhizosphere is crucial for predicting the success of biological control. This is especially true for biological control using the strategy of reduction of initial inoculum prior to infection. By studying the population density fluxes over time, one can observe how the BCA and pathogen influence each other's population and life cycles, and how the biological and physical environment influence this relationship. Methods for quantifying fungi and bacteria in soil, including classical (dilution plating, baiting, bioassays), immunological (ELISA, IFC, immunomagnetic) and molecular (DNA hybridization, PCR, marker and reporter genes) methods, are discussed and critiqued. Finally, the value of mathematical modeling of population dynamics as a means of providing important information about the tripartite relationship between the pathogen, BCA, and host plant is reviewed.