The use of genetic engineering has also been suggested to prevent possible loss of
control over the biocontrol agent, which could transfer its relevant genetic material to
wild fungi, which in turn may harm plants that are important to humans (Gressel
et al., 2007). To monitor the biocontrol agent in nature, it was suggested that a base
sequence be inserted into the genome serving as a ‘barcode’ (an agreed-upon combination
of signs that can transfer information in a concise manner). In this scheme, any organism
that has undergone a genetic modification process (i.e. material from a foreign genome has
been inserted into it) will carry a unique and agreed-upon base sequence that will enable
its easy, efficient and positive identification. Thus scientists will be able to follow the
spread of genetically modified organisms in nature and solve disputes over the origin
and taxonomy of organisms. Advances in genomic research of fungi and other organisms
that can be used for biocontrol will eventually significantly enhance these organisms’
aggressiveness and hopefully increase their effectiveness to the level of the most effective
chemical control agents. However, as mentioned earlier, this is not enough. Research