Considerations in evaluating the field efficacy of microbial products

<p dir="ltr">Microbial products are often suggested as the ideal solutions to address existing and anticipated gaps in plant health and nutrient management but at the same time, they are often considered to be less efficacious and expensive. Global interest and investment in microbial alternatives to traditional agrichemical pesticides and fertilisers is growing rapidly with a plethora of products (of varying quality)</p><p dir="ltr">on the market. The range of products available in New Zealand is much smaller but is steadily increasing. Whether microbial products are developed in country or are imported from overseas, it is important that their efficacy is evaluated in New Zealand production systems and environmental conditions. We highlight the pitfalls and challenges in evaluating field efficacy of microbial products and provide guidelines and suggestions for rigorous field evaluation, with a view to ensuring our growers can have confidence to differentiate between products and build them into their own management systems.</p>