Biological control agents and fungicides have
different modes of action and advantages. The lethal
action of fungicides may provide superior control just
after application. Conversely, biological control
agents may be able to grow and colonise plant parts
and thus provide longer lasting protection to the crop.
Besides reducing fungicide residues and public
exposure to pesticides, another advantage of using
an integrated approach to the control of gladiolus
corm rot and wilt is that strains resistant to fungicides
are likely to be controlled by the biological control
agent before losses occur.