Disease suppressive soils

Disease suppressive soils function to prevent the establishment of pathogens in the rhizosphere of plants. These soils develop through the establishment of beneficial microbes, known as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the rhizosphere of plant roots. These mutualistic microbes function to increase plant health by fighting against harmful soil microbes either directly or indirectly. As beneficial bacteria occupy space around plant roots they outcompete harmful pathogens by releasing pathogenic suppressive metabolites. Recent research has demonstrated that disease-suppressive soils not only inhibit soilborne pathogens but also protect plants from insect pests. In particular, these soils can enhance plant resistance to leaf-feeding insects by promoting beneficial rhizosphere bacteria and priming plant defense mechanisms.