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Plant disease management in organic farming systems
Author(s) -
van Bruggen Ariena HC,
Gamliel Abraham,
Finckh Maria R
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4145
Subject(s) - disease management , organic farming , cover crop , agriculture , plant disease , agroforestry , compost , tillage , crop rotation , manure , pesticide , green manure , soil health , environmental science , business , disease , agronomy , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , soil organic matter , ecology , medicine , soil water , pathology , parkinson's disease
Organic farming ( OF ) has significantly increased in importance in recent decades. Disease management in OF is largely based on the maintenance of biological diversity and soil health by balanced crop rotations, including nitrogen‐fixing and cover crops, intercrops, additions of manure and compost and reductions in soil tillage. Most soil‐borne diseases are naturally suppressed, while foliar diseases can sometimes be problematic. Only when a severe disease outbreak is expected are pesticides used that are approved for OF . A detailed overview is given of cultural and biological control measures. Attention is also given to regulated pesticides. We conclude that a systems approach to disease management is required, and that interdisciplinary research is needed to solve lingering disease problems, especially for OF in the tropics. Some of the organic regulations are in need of revision in close collaboration with various stakeholders. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry