Biocontrol of soil-borne phytopathogenic fungi by fungivorous soil fauna communities in conventional wheat cropping systems
Continental (Germany)
To reduce the incidence of fungal diseases, high levels of external inputs (mainly fungicides) are currently used. These can potentially enter the soil or groundwater or accumulate in the food chain. Moreover, they lead to fungicide resistances in fungal pathogens, so that new pathotypes are constantly emerging that are even more difficult to control. In the long term, a reduction in the use of fungicides and an adaptation of cultivation systems is therefore necessary for sustainable agricultural
production. State of the art
In wheat cultivation in the continental region, increasing infestation pressure from soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium poses major challenges for agriculture. Fusarium infestation leads to a reduction in yield levels and – due to the formation of mycotoxins – also in yield quality. In particular, factors such as rising temperatures due to global climate change, densely growing stands and tight crop rotations favour the survival and spread of such fungal diseases. In the long term, negative effects on soil health are to be expected, e.g. through the leaching of mycotoxins. In order to reduce the occurrence of fungal diseases, large quantities of external inputs (mainly fungicides) are currently used.
Objective
The aim of this case study is to identify management practices that promote fungivorous soil fauna communities as antagonists of fungal plant pathogens in conventional wheat production while requiring reduced application rates of fungicides. In this way, input quantities are to be reduced and the natural self regulating mechanisms of the soil promoted.
Proposed practices
The efficacy of a biostimulant and a plant adjuvant, each in combination with an additive, in strengthening soil self-regulation processes and thus in controlling fungal plant pathogens (Fusarium) in conventional wheat cropping systems is assessed.
Progress with the case study in relation with the state of the art
The case study helps to close knowledge gaps regarding the effects of fungicide reduction on plant parameters and soil biodiversity in conventional wheat cultivation. It provides valuable new insights into the extent to which biostimulants and plant adjuvants are suitable tools to promote natural soil bioregulation and mitigate possible negative effects of fungicide reduction.
