Population dynamics of Fusarium spp. in pea rhizosphere as affected by soil amendments

In nonamended soil, vegetative growth and sporulation of Fusarium spp. were higher in the rhizosphere than in the soil. Sporulation was favoured by young plants and decreased with increasing plant age. Amendments with low C/N oil-cakes enhanced vegetative growth and sporulation in root-free soil. The extent of stimulation varied with the nature of organic matter used and the stage of its decomposition. Sporulation was suppressed by castor cake and sawdust with urea amendments. Rhizosphere cf pea altered the effect of different amendments.