DOC-20241118-WA0005.

Department of Botany
Topic –Control of Plant Disease
Presented By: Presented to:
Priyanshu Jaiswal Dr. Ashwani Kumar

M.Sc. Semester-1 Dr. Rikki Rai
Dr. Somanjana Khatua
Plant Disease y.
Introduction
 A plant disease is any abnormal condition
that alters the appearance or function of a
plant. It is a physiological process that affects
some or all plant functions
 It reduces yield and quality of harvested plant
 Organisms that cause infectious disease
include fungi,bacteria, viruses, viroids, virus-
like organisms, phytoplasmas, protozoa,
nematodes and parasitic plants.
 The study of plant disease is called plant
pathology.
Purpose
 To reduce the damage caused by plant diseases

 Reduce yield losses: Plant diseases can significantly
reduce crop yields.
 Reduce production costs: Plant diseases can increase
production costs.
 Reduce environmental damage: Plant diseases can cause
environmental damage.
Principles of Plant Disease Control
Depending upon the types of pathogens ,the host and either interaction,control
method vary from one disease to another. Therefore, control measures for the
disease of a particular plant are to be planned according to the nature of the
pathogens,its modes of penetration and methods of spread.
The Various Control method can be divided as:
Regulatory Method Cultural Biological Physical Chemical

Regulatory Method-
The regulatory method of plant disease control involves using legal
measures, quarantine, and inspection systems to prevent the introduction,
establishment, or spread of plant diseases, especially those that are
economically harmful.
1.Quarantines-
Many of the plant pathogens have been introduced unknowingly from one
country to other where such pathogens did not exist before.Plant
quarantines are step taken by a country or state through legislation to
prevent the entry of foreign plant pathogens present in diseased plant
materials into the country. In order to keep out for in plant pathogens and
to protect the countries farm , garden, forest etc.
Eg-Potato wart disease,Citrus black spot,Chestnut blight.
2.Inspections-
Regular inspection of crops nurseries and natural areas are conducted to
detect any new or invasive plants disease early.Early detection helps
prevent disease spread and allow for more effective management.
Cultural Method-
The cultural method of plant disease control involves altering
agricultural practices and the environment to reduce the disease
development and spread. These methods are preventative and aim to
create conditions less favorable for pathogens while supporting plant
health and resilience
1.Crop Rotation –
Rotating crops from different plant families in the same area each
season can reduce the build-up of specific soil-borne pathogens and
break the life cycle of many disease-causing organisms. Fig:Crop
Eg- Bacterial spot of pepper and tomato,Carrot Rotation
root dieback,wheat blunt,smut of bajra etc.

2. Sanitation and Hygiene
Cleaning Tools and Equipment: Regularly disinfecting gardening tools
and equipment helps prevent the transfer of pathogens between plants.
Removal of Diseased Plant Material: Removing infected plants,
leaves, and other plant debris helps reduce sources of pathogens that
could spread to healthy plants.
Weed Control: Weeds can harbor pathogens that might
infect nearby crops, so controlling weeds helps
reduce disease sources.
3. Plant Spacing
Proper plant spacing allows air to circulate freely
around plants, reducing humidity and leaf wetness
that often promotes fungal and bacterial diseases.
4.Optimal Planting Time- Fig:Plant Spacing
Avoid periods,when disease pressures are highest can help reduce

infection. For example, planting earlier or later to avoid warm, humid
conditions promote development of many fungal diseases.
5 Eradication of alternate host–
Alternate host provide shelter to the pathogen in unfavorable
condition. This method used to control heteroecious pathogen.
For eg: Barberry eradication help in to control the black stem
rust of wheat caused by Puccina graminis tritci. Stem rust in wheat
6.Creating an unfavourable condition to the pathogen-
Proper aeration of stored plant products dried up their surface
rapidly and inhibits the germination and infection by bacterial
and fungal pathogen present on them.
7.Mulching
Mulching helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, reducing
stress on plants. Organic mulches can also create a favorable
environment for beneficial soil organisms that suppress
pathogens. Eg-mulch can help reduce purple blotch, a fungal
disease that affects green onions.
Fig: Mulching
Biological method-
The biological method of plant disease control uses living organisms—such
as beneficial microbes, insects, or natural predators—to manage or suppress
plant pathogens.
1.Use of Natural Predators and Parasites Nematode-
•Parasitic Fungi: These fungi parasitize or trap harmful nematodes that can
cause root diseases in plants. For example, Paecilomyces lilacinus and
Purpureocillium lilacinum are used to control root-knot nematodes.
•Antagonistic Fungi and Bacteria: Some microorganisms directly parasitize
or compete with pathogens. For instance, Coniothyrium minitans is used to
control Sclerotinia, a fungal pathogen that causes white mold.
2.Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR)

Certain beneficial microbes can trigger ISR in plants, which primes them to
resist a wide range of pathogens. For example, bacteria like Pseudomonas
and fungi like Trichoderma can induce ISR, making plants more resilient
without direct pathogen attack.
3.Use of Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically
target bacterial pathogens. They can be used
to control bacterial diseases in plants, such as
bacterial blight, without harming beneficial
bacteria.
4.Biopesticides
Bio pesticides are products derived from
natural organisms or their by products.
Examples include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
toxins, which target insect pests and reduce
vectors that spread plant diseases.
5.Natural Plant Extracts and Oils
Extracts from plants like neem, garlic, and tea
tree have antimicrobial properties that can
reduce disease pressure. For example, neem
oil can control fungal pathogens while also
repelling insects that may spread disease.
Physical method-
Various types of radiation and temperature are the physical agents that
are used in controlling plant disease.
Control by heat treatment
Seeds or planting material can be treated with heat to eliminate
pathogens without harming the plant. This method is often used for high-
value crops or where certain diseases are prevalent.
Example: Hot water treatment of seeds to control seed-borne diseases,
like bacterial spot in tomato seeds.
Soil Solarization
This technique involves covering the soil with clear plastic sheeting
during hot weather to trap solar heat. The increased temperature
sterilizes the soil, killing many pathogens, weed seeds, and nematodes.
Example: Solarizing soil for 4-6 weeks before planting tomatoes to reduce
soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium and Verticillium.
Water Management
Avoiding overwatering or improper irrigation methods like overhead
watering, which increases leaf wetness and the risk of fungal infections. Soil Solarization
Example: Drip irrigation to prevent water-borne diseases such as downy
mildew in cucumbers.
Pruning
Removing diseased plant parts or pruning for better air circulation
helps reduce humidity and prevent fungal growth. Regularly
removing plant debris and cleaning tools also limits sources of
infection.
Example: Pruning the lower leaves of tomato plants to improve air
circulation and reduce the risk of foliar diseases like powdery
mildew.
Fig: Pruning
Chemical Method
The chemical method of plant disease control uses synthetic or natural
chemicals to prevent, suppress, or eliminate plant pathogens. Chemicals used
for disease control include fungicides, bactericides, and nematicides, and they
are often used in a targeted way to manage disease outbreaks
Types of Chemicals Used for Plant Disease Control
1. Fungicides
Protectant Fungicides: These are applied to the plant surface before infection
occurs, creating a barrier that prevents fungal spores from germinating. They
need to be applied before or at the start of a disease outbreak.
Example: Chlorothalonil (e.g., Daconil) – used to control fungal diseases like
leaf spots, downy mildew
Contact Fungicides: These stay on the plant’s surface and only affect
pathogens on contact. They are often used for managing foliar diseases.
Example: Copper-based fungicides, such as copper oxychloride or copper
sulfate, are commonly used to control downy mildew, bacterial blight.
2. Bactericides
Bactericides are used to control bacterial diseases in plants, often containing
copper or antibiotics to prevent bacterial growth.
Example: Streptomycin (e.g., Agrimycin) – used to control fire blight in apples
and pears and bacterial leaf spot in tomatoes.
3. Nematicides
Nematicides are chemicals that target nematodes, microscopic worms that
damage plant roots, leading to root diseases.
Example: Fosthiazate – used to control root-knot nematodes in crops like
potatoes and tomatoes.
4. Seed Treatments
Chemical seed treatments protect young plants from soil-borne pathogens and
early-season diseases, enhancing germination and seedling health.
Example: Metalaxyl – a systemic fungicide effective against seedling diseases
caused by Pythium and Phytophthora.
5. Soil Fumigants
Soil fumigants are applied to soil to kill pathogens before planting, often used in
high-value crops where diseases can be economically devastating.
Eg:Chloropicrin – a soil fumigant used to control root rot and soil-borne diseases in
crops like strawberries and tomatoes.
Examples of Chemical Application Methods
Foliar Sprays: Used to apply fungicides and bactericides directly to the plant’s
leaves to protect against foliar diseases like powdery mildew and blight.
Soil Drenches: Applied around the base of plants to target soil-borne diseases or
root pathogens.
Seed Treatments: Seeds are coated with protective chemicals before planting to
guard against pathogens in the soil.
Soil Fumigation: Applied to the soil before planting to eliminate pathogens,
nematodes, and other harmful organisms.
Reference:
•Plant Pathology –B.P Pandey
•https://www.sciencedirect.com

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Department of Botany

Topic –Control of Plant Disease

Presented By: Presented to:

Priyanshu Jaiswal Dr. Ashwani Kumar

 To reduce the damage caused by plant diseases

Regulatory Method Cultural Biological Physical Chemical

root dieback,wheat blunt,smut of bajra etc.

Avoid periods,when disease pressures are highest can help reduce

2.Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR)

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