Combining Biocontrol Agents and Organics Amendments to Manage Soil-Borne Phytopathogens

Abstract

This chapter aims to provide an overview of recent efforts devoted to the management of soil-borne pathogens by means of combining organic amendments and biological control agents. This approach constitutes a promising disease control strategy yet insufficiently explored. We first present definitions of fundamental concepts that the reader will find interacting within this control strategy. Then, we offer a summary of some research studies exemplifying this topic, underlying the potential of this approach to manage selected relevant soil-borne diseases. We also present reasons leading researchers, producers, and consumers to focus their attention on environmentally friendly disease management frameworks, as well as strategies for their successful implementation and derived benefits. Finally, we briefly discuss the feasibility of applying combinations of organic amendments and biological control agents to control soil-borne diseases in woody plants.