- Fundamentals -

• Soil harbors a variety of disease causing organisms for both plants and animals.

  • Microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, phytoplasmas, protozoa and viruses).

  • Larger soil organisms such as nematodes as well as insects (e.g. ants, aphids)

  • Small animals (e.g. slugs, snails, rodents).

• Plant pathogens can be spread from plant to plant via insect vectors or by soil animals such as nematodes.

• Typically the most damage to crops is caused by fungal pathogens which are responsible for a wilts, root rots, club rot & blight. 

• The best way to deal with pests, disease and weeds is to scout and remove vectors before they have a chance to go to spread or go to seed.