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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #96729
Title: MANAGING SOILBORNE DISEASES BY MANAGING ROOT MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES

Author
item Linderman, Robert

Submitted to: Proceedings of Methyl Bromide Alternatives Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/8/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The removal of methyl bromide as a soil fumigant by the year 2001 has prompted the search for viable alternatives. While no single treatment, other than alternative fumigants, will likely be a substitute for methyl bromide, there are biological alternatives for soilborne disease control that are worthy of consideration. The concept of managing soilborne diseases by managing root microbial communities is presented, with emphasis on the biology and application of mycorrhizal fungi and their associated microbes, including antagonistic bacteria or fungi that can function as biocontrol agents, and bacteria that can affect nutrient availability and uptake by plant roots.

Technical Abstract: The removal of methyl bromide as a soil fumigant by the year 2001 has prompted the search for viable alternatives. While no single treatment, other than alternative fumigants, will likely be a substitute for methyl bromide, there are biological alternatives for soilborne disease control that are worthy of consideration. The concept of managing soilborne diseases by managing root microbial communities is presented, with emphasis on the biology and application of mycorrhizal fungi and their associated microbes, including antagonistic bacteria or fungi that can function as biocontrol agents, and bacteria that can affect nutrient availability and uptake by plant roots.