Review on compost as an inducer of disease suppression in plants grown in soilless culture.
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: The soil/substrate that supports plant roots and provides water and nutrients to plants is often considered a hostile environment that harbours plant pathogens. Moreover, the most common strategy used to control risk of disease from the soil is the eradication or minimization of soil pathogens regardless of the presence of other organisms. Consequently, the extensive use of physical/chemical biocides generates a soil/substrate microbiological vacuum which makes it more susceptible to reinfestation by pathogens, increases disease incidence and in some cases enhances fungal resistance. In Europe, legislation on plant protection products has been re-evaluated since 1991 (Directives 1991/414 and 2009/128), leading to a drastic reduction in the use of chemical compounds. A reduction in fungicides that effectively combat disease is achieved with the use of suppressive composts in pot plants. Suppressive composts similar to suppressive soils are examples of natural biological control of disease as the result or a more or less complex three-way interaction between microorganisms in the composts, plant pathogens, and plants. The roles of the physical properties and chemical composition of composts are also important in the suppressive effect, not only because they are responsible for the type and quantity of microorganisms established, but also because of their effects on pathogens, plant root health and leaf nutrient status. The two classic modes of action of microorganisms involved in the suppression of soil-borne plant pathogens (general and specific suppression) can be defined in composts. In specific suppression, only one or a few species are involved; while in contrast, a great diversity of microorganisms working together as a nutrient sink contributes to general suppression. A third mode of action is also induced by microorganisms in composts: systemic resistance, similar to challenge inoculation with a pathogen or beneficial organism. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Authors: M. Avilés, C. Borrero, M.I. Trillas
Institution: Universitat de Barcelona
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2560435227