Methods for Evaluating the Efficacy of Microbial Biocontrol Agents Against Botrytis cinerea on Tomato Plant

Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of gray mold, is a highly adaptable necrotrophic fungus that causes significant losses in economically important crops such as tomatoes. Increasing resistance to fungicides and environmental concerns have stimulated interest in microbial biocontrol agents as part of integrated pest management strategies. This chapter presents standardized protocols for evaluating the efficacy of microbial biocontrol agents against B. cinerea on tomato plants under controlled conditions. Methods include preparation of pathogen and biocontrol inoculum, production of healthy plants, and bioassays on whole plants, detached stems, and detached leaves, with quantitative disease assessment. These protocols aim to ensure reproducibility and comparability while facilitating mechanistic studies and optimization of biocontrol strategies prior to field application.