Usage Possibilities of Biofumigation in controlling of Soil-borne Plant Pathogenic Fungi

Abstract

The soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi, including Armillaria, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Rosellinia and Sclerotinia etc, are causing root rot diseases on many field and horticultural crops that often results in the death of plants and important yield losses. Several control methods have been implemented to control root rot diseases, such as use of resistant cultivars, crop rotation, solarisation, fungicides treatments and soil fumigation. Soil fumigation with fumigants such as methyl bromide and chloropicrin is the most effective method for controlling soil-borne fungi; however, the negative effects of these chemicals on both the environmental and public health have led to its banning in many countries. Therefore, there is a need to find alternative methods which provide adequate disease control and is comparable to commercial fungicides. Bio fumigation is considered as an alternative to chemical control and is highly effective in the controlling of diseases caused by nematodes, weeds and fungi, and is considered as a part of integrated pest management. Cover crops, organic fertilizers and biosolids are considered as biofumigants in controlling of soil-borne fungi. In this study, bio fumigation applications in controlling of soil-borne fungi and their mode of action on the fungi are evaluated.