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Biological control of plant pathogens: advantages and limitations seen through the case study of Pythium oligandrum

  • Crop protection: new strategies for sustainable development
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Abstract

The management of certain plant beneficial microorganisms [biological control agents (BCAs)] seems to be a promising and environmental friendly method to control plant pathogens. However, applications are still limited because of the lack of consistency of BCAs when they are applied in the field. In the present paper, the advantages and limitations of BCAs are seen through the example of Pythium oligandrum, an oomycete that has received much attention in the last decade. The biological control exerted by P. oligandrum is the result of a complex process, which includes direct effects through the control of pathogens and/or indirect effects mediated by P. oligandrum, i.e. induction of resistance and growth promotion. P. oligandrum antagonism is a multifaceted and target fungus-dependent process. Interestingly, it does not seem to disrupt microflora biodiversity on the roots. P. oligandrum has an atypical relationship with the plant because it rapidly penetrates into the root tissues but it cannot stay alive in planta. After root colonisation, because of the elicitation by P. oligandrum of the plant-defence system, plants are protected from a range of pathogens. The management of BCAs, here P. oligandrum, is discussed with regard to its interactions with the incredibly complex agrosystems.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by Biovitis SA, Saint-Etienne de Chomeil, France and the French “Association Nationale de la Recherche et de la Technologie”.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INRA, ISVV, UMR1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble (SAVE), 33140, Villenave d’Ornon, France

    J. Gerbore, J. Vallance & P. Rey

  2. Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Université de Bordeaux, ISVV, UMR1065 SAVE, 33140, Villenave d’Ornon, France

    J. Vallance & P. Rey

  3. BIOVITIS, 15400, Saint Etienne de Chomeil, France

    J. Gerbore & D. Grizard

  4. UMR CNRS 5254/IPREM-EEM, IBEAS, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, 64013, Pau, France

    J. Gerbore & C. Regnault-Roger

  5. Centre de Recherche en Horticulture, Pavillon de l’ENVIROTRON, Univerité Laval, 2480 Boulevard Hochelaga, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada

    N. Benhamou

  6. Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne, ESIAB, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Université Européenne de Bretagne, 29280, Plouzané, France

    G. Le Floch

Authors
  1. J. Gerbore
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  2. N. Benhamou
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  3. J. Vallance
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  4. G. Le Floch
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  5. D. Grizard
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  6. C. Regnault-Roger
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  7. P. Rey
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. Rey.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Gerbore, J., Benhamou, N., Vallance, J. et al. Biological control of plant pathogens: advantages and limitations seen through the case study of Pythium oligandrum . Environ Sci Pollut Res 21, 4847–4860 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-1807-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-1807-6

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