Phytopathologia Mediterranea (Jul 2014)

Control of <em>Phytophthora capsici</em> and <em>Phytophthora parasitica</em> on pepper (<em>Capsicum annuum</em> L.) with compost teas from different sources, and their effects on plant growth promotion

  • Francisco MARIN,
  • Fernando DIÁNEZ,
  • Mila SANTOS,
  • Francisco CARRETERO,
  • Francisco GEA,
  • Carlos CASTAÑEDA,
  • María NAVARRO,
  • José YAU

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14601/Phytopathol_Mediterr-12173
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 53, no. 2

Abstract

Read online

Suppressive effects of different compost teas were evaluated against the phytopathogens P. capsici and P. parasitica, isolated from diseased plants from commercial sweet pepper farms in Almería (Spain), during 2011. Aerated compost tea and non-aerated compost tea were prepared from spent mushroom compost, grape marc compost, crop residues compost and vermicompost. In vitro inhibition of mycelial growth of the two tested pathogens was assessed, and in vivo effects of compost teas on disease severity, caused by P. capsici and P. parasitica were evaluated on pepper plants, in greenhouse experiments. Different morphological parameters were also measured for plants treated with compost teas, to determine growth promotion effects on pepper plants. The compost teas controlled the two tested pathogens in vitro and in vivo. Non-aerated compost teas (NCT) were more beneficial in increasing growth of pepper plants than aerated compost teas. This study demonstrates the clear effect of compost tea on disease suppression and plant growth promotion. These compost extracts may be used as alternatives to inorganic fertilizers/fungicides to enhance plant growth, reduce disease incidence and increase crop yields.

Keywords