Application of Mushrooms in Management of Soil‐Borne Parasites, Nematodes, Bacteria and Fungi

Abstract

There are numerous microorganisms that are connected to plants, despite that, the majority of organisms affect the root system and are soil-borne pathogens. These pathogens live within the same region of the rhizosphere, causing damage to the host plant's vascular system, and obstruct physiological procedures involved in water and nutrient intake required for maximum productivity. Therefore, it is imperative to address pathogenic soil-borne organisms. The traditional chemical methods of disinfection have been used in the past, however, due to the high toxic level of the chemicals, it is now required to develop alternatives that are ecologically acceptable and environmentally friendly. The use of mushrooms like Pleurotus ostreatus can be an alternative biological control agent, especially with the current shift toward non-chemical or green methods for control such as biological control, biopesticides, and cultural management to manage disease-causing plant pathogens. These mushrooms possess a range of beneficial qualities that enable them to effectively mitigate the damage inflicted by pests and pest-related diseases. The mycoparasitic, antibiotic, and pest-repelling properties of these mushrooms, along with their ability to act as antifeedants, produce bioactive substances, and exhibit entomopathogenic activity, all directly contribute to pest control. Moreover, they enhance the plant's capacity to uptake nutrients and water, and they can alter root morphology and rhizosphere interactions, favoring overall plant growth and reducing the negative impacts of competitive pressure for space and resources. Therefore, using mushrooms as biological control agents against harmful soil-borne microbes for agricultural purposes is a potential sustainable biocontrol technique.