Soil-Borne Pathogens and Their Interactions with the Soil Environment

摘要: Wheat yields in thirteenth century Europe have been estimated at 385 kg ha−1 (Pretty 1990; Houghton 1996), more than half a millennium later, by 1939 they had increased to little 2 t ha−1. Subsequently, the period 1952–1986 scientific and technologically based innovation applied farming an average value of 2.6% pa. It is predicted that wheat will rise 10.48–13.69 2015, with current theoretical biological ceiling 19.2 (Britton 1990). These rising accompanied tenfold increase amount nitrogen 1943/1945–1994 (Houghton 1996). They represent one example what has achieved combination genotype (plant breeding) environmental modification increasing nutrients available plant step its physiological demands fending-off consequential invasions pests pathogens attendant on rapid growth high yields. Burgeoning human populations, reaching 10 billion 2050, demand similar yield increases are continued accelerated. The climatic consequences arising from policy raising solely inputs becoming apparent as dangerously unsustainable. Dramatic changes manner which crops husbanded required aim achieving but minimal damage world’s ecosystems (Dixon Margerison 2009). Concomitant need continue accelerate order fill empty stomachs enhance lifestyles far greater control using intelligent, integrated environmentally benign methods sound knowledge intimate relationships beneficial microbes, roots, soil pest pathogen biology for health our planet’s environment biodiversity. So far, ­microbiology best scant fragmentary worst non-existent. Yet shown this book agronomic opportunities enhanced productivity offered inhabitants huge.