The challenges of introducing a new biofungicide to the market: a case study

ABSTRACT

Background: Scientific literature contains many reports documenting the isolation and antagonist-testing of microorganisms with the potential for biological control in agriculture, however, very few have addressed all aspects involved in the long process that occurs before a potential strain, found and tested in laboratory, can reach commercialization. Results: After a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary effort to develop a biological control agent with remarkable technical characteristics and performance, the fungicide Fungifree AB® was recently introduced in Mexican market. This product that has no chemical residues and is environmentally friendly which can be used by mango, avocado, papaya and citrus fruits (and other crops in the short term) producers to increase crops quality, and therefore, to access world markets. Conclusions: The successful introduction of Fungifree AB® in the Mexican market has been the result of a wide variety of factors remarkable product technical characteristics, researchers' high scientific level, mango producers and exporters' interest in testing the product and commercial companies interested in its distribution.