Biochars reduce infection rates of the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans and associated biomass loss in carrot. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: George, Carmen; Kohler, Josef; Rillig, Matthias C.
• Is Part Of: Soil biology and biochemistry. Volume 95(2016)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Biochar -- Plant parasitic nematodes -- Pratylenchus penetrans -- Systemic resistance -- Systemic acquired resistance -- Induced systemic resistance; Soil biochemistry -- Periodicals; Soil biology -- Periodicals; Sols -- Biochimie -- Périodiques; Sols -- Biologie -- Périodiques; Sols -- Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Bodembiologie; Biochemie; 631.46
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2015.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-0717

Abstract

Abstract: Biochars, in addition to carbon sequestration, soil amelioration and improvement of plant performance, can measurably reduce disease severity of different pathogen types and even induce system wide defense responses in host plants. The aim of this study was to further investigate if biochars can provide resistance-enhancing effects to host plants faced with plant parasitic nematodes. We asked if these carbonized materials, as a result, may hold the potential to be used as an effective supplement for chemical nematicides. Four different biochars and zeolite (5% v/v) were tested on a carrot ( Daucus carota ) and root-lesion nematode ( Pratylenchus penetrans ) pathogen system. Plant biomass, nematode abundances in soil and root tissue (infection rate), as well as plant-nutrient status were quantified. P. penetrans caused decreased shoot- and fine root biomass in infected plants. All applied materials, except for the pine wood biochar, significantly reduced tap root infection rates of P. penetrans by approximately 80% and spelt husk biochar actually reduced infection rates by more than 96%. Infected plants of these treatments produced two to four times more plant biomass than infected plants of the non-material application treatment. It turned out that biochars produced from different feedstocks affected nematode infection rates and host plant biomasses quite differently. Induced resistance is a possible explanation for the highly reduced infection rates, as direct toxic effects of the biochar and effects of altered pH, water holding capacity, soil structure and plant nutrient status could be largely excluded. Highlights: Biochars can reduce the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans in carrot plants. Biochar caused reductions in P. penetrans related plant biomass losses. Biochars differed in their effects on P. penetrans and plant biomasses. Biochar could be an option for management of nematodes. Feedstock- and dose response relationships of biochars have to be further assessed.