A method for obtaining bacteriophages by stressing bacteria. The method involves isolating bacteria, propagating the bacteria, exposing the bacteria to at least one environmental stressing agent to induce excision of bacteriophage that are present in the bacterial genome. Multiple or individual environmental stressing agents may be applied. These liberated bacteriophages may be collected for purposes of treating pathogenic infections, protecting plants and agricultural products or general sterilization and sanitation.
