Purpose: Microorganisms are proven bio-resources for the environmentally-friendly and sustainable biological control of plant diseases and microbial enzyme production. The present study confi rms the identity of an indigenous Burkholderia isolate, determines its desirable features as a biological control agent of plant pathogenic fungi and an enzyme producer and analyzes molecular relationships with selected environmental isolates of Burkholderia. Research Method:In vitro antagonism of Burkholderia isolate on colony growth and spore germination of fi ve fungal pathogens causing fi eld and postharvest diseases were tested. Antifungal ability of cell-free fi ltrate and eff ect of temperature on antifungal ability were determined. Extracellular enzyme production of Burkholderia isolate was screened and phylogenetic relationships were elucidated.Findings: Burkholderia isolate inhibited colony growth of the fi ve fungal pathogens by a range of 45 -59 %, reduced the spore germination ability forming spores of a typical morphology. Antifungal ability was lost beyond 57 oC and cell-free fi ltrates did not show antagonism against the tested fungi. The bacterial isolate gave the best match with Burkholderia A45 strain and it was; catalase, gelatinase, lipase and casein hydrolysis positive. The indigenous bacterial isolate grouped together with Burkholderia strains, having biodegradation ability of environmental pollutants. Research Limitations:Absence of a comprehensive image on extracellular enzyme producing ability and information on biodegradation ability of the bacterial isolate.Originality/value: Findings will be useful to exploit the potential of the bacterium in integrated management of pre-and postharvest fungal diseases and in microbial enzyme production.

BACKGROUND In this study, we surveyed through a structured and pilot‐tested questionnaire, the practices of pesticide usage by small‐scale (< 1.25 ha) chilli and tomato farmers from four districts of Sri Lanka and their perceptions on the effectiveness of pesticides and willingness to adopt integrated pest management (IPM). RESULTS We found significant (P < 0.05) variation among districts in farmer responses to 37 out of 59 survey questions. A majority of farmers were dependent on pesticides with only a minority practicing IPM. A majority perceived that their current pesticide usage was increasing, but was not excessive. A majority were aware of the negative impacts of pesticides on human health and environment. Farmer perception on the effectiveness of pesticides increased with age, but was not influenced by education level. Farmers having a higher opinion of pesticides made a greater number of applications during a cropping cycle. They also maintained a longer preharvest interval and did not use pesticide mixtures. A majority expressed willingness to initiate IPM, but identified lack of knowledge and technical knowhow on specific IPM practices for their crops as barriers to adoption and requested external support. Farmer willingness to adopt IPM is higher among older, more educated farmers and among full‐time farmers who are currently totally‐dependent on pesticides and whose major income source was farming. CONCLUSION We conclude that a significant extension effort in terms of farmer education on IPM and external assistance to develop the technological knowhow, which is tailor‐made to specific districts, is needed to facilitate adoption of IPM among these farmers.