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An Effective Inoculation Method for Phytophthora capsici on Black Pepper Plants
Published on: September 16, 2022
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Biochar reduces containerized pepper blight caused by Phytophthora Capsici.
Ping Yu1, Kuan Qin2, Kevin Crosby3
1Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, 30223, USA. pingyu@uga.edu.
Scientific Reports
|December 27, 2024
Summary
Mixed hardwood biochar (HB) effectively suppressed Phytophthora blight in container-grown peppers by replacing peat moss. This biochar amendment reduced disease severity without negatively impacting plant growth, offering a sustainable disease management strategy.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Soil Science
- Sustainable Agriculture
Background:
- Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a significant threat to various crops.
- Biochar, a soil amendment, shows potential for disease suppression and peat moss replacement in container substrates.
- The efficacy of biochar, particularly in combination with biological control agents like Trichoderma, for managing pepper Phytophthora blight is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB) and mixed hardwood biochar (HB) in controlling Phytophthora blight of container-grown peppers.
- To assess the combined effects of biochar and Trichoderma on disease suppression and plant growth.
- To determine optimal biochar application rates as a partial substitute for peat-based commercial substrate.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo (greenhouse) experiments were conducted using various biochar amendments (SBB and HB) at different rates (10-70%) mixed with commercial substrate.
- Treatments included inoculation with Phytophthora capsici and/or Trichoderma.
- Experimental design utilized a randomized complete block design with pathogen, biochar, and Trichoderma as treatment factors.
Main Results:
- In vitro: Trichoderma inhibited Phytophthora capsici growth, but biochar showed no significant effect.
- In vivo: Plants in mixed hardwood biochar (HB) at 30% and 50% (HB30, HB50) exhibited comparable or improved growth indices and shoot dry weight.
- In the presence of Phytophthora capsici, HB30, HB50, and HB70 significantly reduced disease severity and incidence, while Trichoderma provided no significant disease control benefit.
Conclusions:
- Mixed hardwood biochar (HB) at 30% and 50% substitution levels effectively reduces Phytophthora blight disease severity in container-grown peppers.
- These biochar amendments enhance plant growth and do not negatively impact plant development.
- HB shows promise as a sustainable component in container substrates for managing Phytophthora blight.
Keywords:
TrichodermaDisease incidenceDisease severityGrowth indexIn vitro and in vivoPathogen inhibitionMore Related Videos
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