Impact of Biochar on Plant Pathogen Control

It has been reported that organic amendments can lessen the impact of pathogen-caused plant diseases. Researchers have been looking for alternative materials for growth mixes for plants, especially for pots, as a result of the growing demand for substrates without soil and the escalating environmental concerns associated with the utilization of resources that are not renewable, such as peat. A variety of biochar effects help to prevent root or foliar fungal infections by altering root exudates, soil characteristics, and nutrient availability, all of which influence the proliferation of antagonistic microorganisms. Biochar's induction of systemic plant defenses in the roots to combat foliar pathogenic fungus and the activation of stress hormone responses are all indicators of coordinated hormonal transmission within the plant. Additionally, nematodes and pest insects are controlled by biochar. The primary mechanisms of action of plant-parasitic nematodes are changes in the diversity of soil microbes, the release of nematicidal chemicals, and the development of plant defenses. In this chapter, we looked at how the health and disease of plants are affected by biochar as a component of the growing medium. Biochar treatments show a lot of promise, according to this study, but not enough research has been done to support their widespread use as a soil supplement in modern agricultural systems. More research on the processes that drive biochar disease suppression and long-term field tests are required to make biochar a safe, effective, and cost-effective tool for controlling plant diseases. 

Keywords: Pyrolysis, Plant Pathogen, Soil amendment, Soil microbes, Stress hormone.