Biopesticides: An Ecofriendly Approach for the Control of Soil-borne Pathogens in Peanut

ANDRES, J.A.; PASTOR, N.; GANUZA, N.; ROVERA, M.; REYNOSO MM; TORRES A.M.

Microbial Inoculants in Sustainable Agricultural Productivity

Springer

Año: 2016; p. 161 - 180

The peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a widespread oilseed crop of greatagricultural significance. Argentina is one of the major peanut producersin the world, and about 90 % of its production takes place in the provinceof Córdoba. During the last 20 years, peanut production has not only beenincreasing in yield but also in the quality of the harvested product becauseconsumers tend to require high-quality products. Therefore, research anddissemination of technologies constitute essential elements for growingpeanuts.Peanut is susceptible to several diseases which are caused by the confluenceof a susceptible cultivar, a pathogen (fungus, bacteria, or virus),and a favorable environment. Soilborne fungal diseases of peanut arespreading throughout Argentina, causing such losses that they are beingconsidered as one of the most important factors in the decrease of peanutyield. Fungicides are the main tool for controlling such diseases, but theiruse has been shown to bring important ecological adverse consequencesfor human health and the natural balance of the soil microflora. An alternativedisease management option is biological control. It consists mainly inusing microorganisms to control harmful microorganisms that cause plantdiseases without disturbing the ecological balance. Several scientistsaround the world have described different Pseudomonas and Trichodermastrains that are able to significantly control a number of fungal diseases.Here, we review the main researches conducted using these organisms aswell as the mechanisms involved in their biocontrol activity. We hope thatthis work will contribute to future research programs that aim to promote