Companies and organizations active in agriculture and horticulture

Abstract

Direct plant growth promotion can be achieved by several mechanisms. Indirect plant growth promotion occurs by protection of the plant against pathogens, most often fungi but also bacteria and viruses. This chapter discusses the role of companies in the complicated, time-consuming, and expensive process from harvesting seeds to food on the plate. Mycorrhizal fungi live in symbiosis with more than 80% of the land plants. Mycorrhizal fungi can be considered as an extension of the root system. A potentially valuable product is often patented to protect its application. Discoveries at universities are published, often in specialized journals. The authorization process of plant protection products consists of evaluation of dossiers of the active microorganism and of the formulated product. Many chemical firms have recognized the demand for biological products and have become active in the biological crop protection business.